Date:29/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/29/stories/2008062957080100.htm

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Drug racket busted; gym coach held

Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD: All’s not well behind the bulging biceps and the now fashionable six-pack. Youngsters interested in body building are getting addicted to use of drugs in the twin cities, if the arrest of a coach in a gym and two of his associates is any indication.

The unhindered use of drugs by body building enthusiasts came to light after the police arrested the gym coach B. Balakrishna and his two accomplices S. Srinivas and Mohd. Qamar of Amberpet and seized ten vials of Mephentermine Sulphate, which is sold under the brand name Termin.

“This restricted drug is to be sold only on a prescription given by a registered medical officer. Usually, it is injected when blood pressure drops in a patient,” said Task Force DCP A.S.C. Wesley on Saturday.

Nervous system

The injection contains Mephentermine Sulphate and Methyl Propyl Paraben. It can be injected intra-muscular or even as an intravenous injection. The drug stimulates the central nervous system and increases blood pressure. Excessive use of the drug could lead to impotency, cerebral haemorrhage leading to coma and sometimes death.

According to police, Balakrishna came to know about the drug through a man named Akbar, when he participated in a body building competition in Hari Hara Kala Bhavan in Secunderabad last year. He later approached Qamar for its supply. Qamar was supplying them for Rs.140 as against its original price of Rs.70.

Balakrishna, police said, used to administer the drug to body building enthusiasts charging Rs. 500 per shot.

Pamphlets

Mr. Wesley said police would shortly distribute pamphlets explaining side-effects of such drugs. “We will conduct inspections in coordination with officials of Andhra Pradesh Drug Control Administration to nab the suppliers.”