Alprazolam ‘kick’ could be the culprit for Hyderabad toddy adulteration

Alprazolam, a powerful sedative, is suspected to be the main chemical used in the adulteration of toddy in Hyderabad. Forensic reports from past cases also identified this drug, which delivers a stronger intoxicating effect. It is a prescription-only Schedule H1 drug

Hyderabad: Alprazolam, a sedative known for providing a powerful ‘kick’, is the most probable chemical that might have been used to adulterate toddy that caused fatalities and triggered hospital admissions in Hyderabad.

Forensic analyses undertaken during earlier instances of toddy adulteration, which happened in Hyderabad and elsewhere, have indicated Alprazolam as the most common and primary chemical used to adulterate toddy.

---

When mixed with toddy, Alprazolam produces a faster and stronger intoxicating effect, giving consumers the instant ‘kick’ or ‘high’ that naturally occurring toddy doesn’t have.

Alprazolam is highly addictive, and a small amount of powder or crushed tablets can adulterate a large volume of toddy. Apart from Alprazolam, some of the other chemicals that are commonly used to adulterate toddy are Chloral Hydrate, Diazepam, urea, and even artificial sweeteners.

Alprazolam is a Schedule H1 drug and cannot be sold without a prescription.