‘Don’t Carry Banned Drugs to Gulf’- warns HRPF President Ravindranath Shanbhag
Udupi: The Human Rights Protection Foundation (HRPF), in a release on Thursday, said many unskilled workers were smuggling medicines banned in the Gulf in their luggage, ignorant of the fact they were breaking the law the law of the Country there.
Ravindranath Shanbhag, president of the HRPF, said, “Shanker Poojary(40) from Basrur who is in jail in Kuwait has carried ‘ Ultracet ‘, a pain reliever tablet, which is banned in Gulf countries. Ultracet is a Trade name of a Synthetic chemical namely Tramadol. It belongs to the narcotic group of drugs. It is used as a pain reliever. Tramadol is among nearly 400 drugs the United Arab Emirates banned in 2010 for their addictive nature. Acetaminophen is another less potent pain reliever but increases the potency of Tramadol. Acetaminophen and Tramadol is a combination medicine used to treat moderate to severe pain”.
“Misuse of this medicine can cause addiction, overdose, or death, especially in children. Acetaminophen and Tramadol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Taking this medicine during pregnancy may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. The drug, readily available in India for Rs. 10 a tablet, is sold in UAE for Rs. 80 to 100. Lured by illegal agents with the promise of a free ticket to Dubai, or a well-paying job, many unskilled workers find themselves smuggling these medicines to the Gulf in their luggage, ignorant of the fact they are breaking the law. Officials in India’s foreign ministry said help in drug and alcohol use cases is difficult as UAE has strict laws on them ” added Shanbagh.
In the meantime, District administration of Udupi has decided to establish a Unit called “Overseas Workers Resource Center” to educate and train migrant workers going through government-authorized employment agents. These labourers are given pre-departure training where they are advised against carrying the banned medicines.