Recent Goa seizures reveal extent of 'spiritual', date rape drug use

Panaji: Recent discoveries of two new narcotics have revealed the disturbing reality of the illicit substance trade in Goa. These substances, categorised as "spiritual" and date rape drugs, have become increasingly prevalent amongst wealthy clientele, particularly those frequenting nightclubs and participating in rave events.

Over the past 30 days, Goa police intercepted two distinct categories of narcotics — DMT (dimethyltryptamine) and GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate).

GHB, a substance commonly referred to as the ‘date rape drug’, and DMT, thought to be used in mysterious ceremonies in the state’s hinterlands, are supposedly used to achieve a spiritual high. Goa police seized both drugs for the first time in the state.

Anti-narcotics cell (ANC) SP Tikam Singh Verma told TOI that DMT is also known as 'change' and is mostly used as a spiritual drug. “It is used in spiritual ceremonies like the Ayahuasca ceremony and cleansing rituals, which are illegal because of the usage of this drug. DMT users are primarily high-end clients, upper middle class to rich people,” said Verma.

He stated that GHB is a type of depressant. “It's usually available as a clear liquid. It is known as a designer drug. Like MDMA (ecstasy), GHB is popular with club-goers and at rave parties. When mixed with alcohol, it has a depressant effect that can cause someone to black out. This is why GHB is often called the date rape drug,” he explained.

Verma also said that signs of overdose include vomiting, irregular or shallow breathing, confusion, irritation and agitation, hallucinations, blackouts and memory loss, unconsciousness that can last for three to four hours, seizures, and death.

Goa police have seized 120g of DMT (the commercial quantity is 2g).

Goa police received information that Ayahuasca—a psychoactive beverage from South America—containing DMT is served during shadowy events at rustic venues hidden from the usual bustling tourism traffic. The ANC arrested a native of Kerala in connection with the seizure of 3.5g of DMT.

The Ayahuasca ceremony is performed for spiritual purposes. Goa police received information that such ceremonies are usually conducted in the hinterlands of Goa.

Goa police have also seized 300g of GHB worth Rs 16 lakh from a Russian DJ, a 35-year-old woman. The drug was recovered from her residence at Keri in Pernem.

Three weeks ago, the ANC busted a major pan-India network dealing in LSD papers. A youth from Kerala was arrested in the case with drugs worth over Rs 1 crore. During the interrogation, the details of GHB emerged.