The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has issued a serious warning regarding the escalating use of LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, in Kerala. This alert comes amidst growing apprehension about a consistent influx of synthetic drugs into the state.
According to the NCB’s recently released annual report for 2024, Kerala has unfortunately emerged as a significant hub for LSD, a potent hallucinogenic known for its profound psychological impact.
In 2024 alone, drug law enforcement agencies across Kerala confiscated a staggering 924 LSD blots. This places Kerala as the fourth-highest state for LSD seizures nationwide, trailing only Tamil Nadu (3,905), Uttarakhand (2,058), and Goa (1,825).
The report highlights that the prevalence of LSD in coastal and popular tourist destinations, such as Goa and Kerala, suggests a rising trend in its recreational use among both residents and visitors. While the report doesn’t pinpoint specific reasons for this high demand, the drug’s strong appeal to younger demographics is believed to be a significant driving force.
An enforcement officer explained that the minute size of LSD blots or ‘stamps’ makes them incredibly easy for peddlers to hide, allowing them to often bypass security checks. The officer emphasized that a thorough analysis of existing data is crucial to accurately determine if LSD consumption is indeed increasing across the state. Interestingly, the officer added that their raids more frequently yield seizures of ganja and MDMA.
A significant operation by the Cochin zonal unit of the NCB in January 2024 saw the seizure of 326 suspected LSD blots, totaling 7.59 grams, from seven individuals in Ernakulam.
The NCB’s 2024 data also reveals substantial seizures of other drugs in Kerala, including 4,482 kg of ganja and 24.27 kg of MDMA. Overall, the year saw 27,701 cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, leading to the arrest of 29,755 individuals.
Furthermore, the report highlights a disturbing trend: coastal routes along Mumbai, Gujarat, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are increasingly being exploited for the illicit smuggling of synthetic drugs and the precursor chemicals essential for their manufacture.