Drug-laced lollipops sold on Thai social media, parents urged to be vigilant

Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has issued a warning to parents regarding a new trend involving recreational drugs disguised as lollipops.

After crackdowns by authorities on other recreational drugs, it’s been found that these so-called “party lollipops” or “drunk lollipops” have gained popularity among youths and partygoers, being openly sold on social media platforms.

Police Lieutenant-General Phanurat Lakboon, the secretary-general of the ONCB, the ONCB's Narcotic Analysis and Technical Service Institute conducted tests on four different candies, revealing one variant contained nimetazepam and tramadol, while two others contained a combination of ketamine and tramadol. Additionally, a fourth variant was found to contain flunitrazepam.

“These ingredients are highly controlled, Category 2 psychotropic substances, and must be prescribed by doctors at certified institutes only,” he mentioned, adding “They could cause hallucination, respiratory depression, and death.”

Possession of Category 2 psychotropic substances for sale or public distribution carries severe penalties in Thailand, with offenders facing up to 15 years in prison or fines up to THB1.5 million.

Additionally, advertising these drugs on public channels like social media can result in imprisonment for up to two years and fines of THB200.000.

Read this next: Venues in California to be required to offer spiking test kits under new law

He additionally reports that authorities had previously targeted similar drugs, typically in powder form intended for mixing with coffee or alcoholic beverages, which became popular among patrons of nightlife venues.

Phanurat has strongly advised parents to monitor their children's candy purchases, as some may unknowingly acquire these drug-laced lollipops, especially since they’re being sold on social media, which young people are exposed to daily.

Read this next: Australians call for nationwide pill testing following festival MDMA overdoses

He also urges parents to be vigilant about the behaviours of their family members, especially those who often go out at night or visit entertainment spots.

Thailand is currently in the process of passing new legislation that would ban cannabis for recreational use — the country was the first in Southeast Asia to legalise such use in 2022.

Via: The Nation Thailand

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.