Don’t let ‘Ice’ freeze Sri Lanka’s youth

K.A.D.C. Kodithuwakku
Senior Assistant Government Analyst

The menace of dangerous drugs in Sri Lanka has taken a drastic change for the worse after the introduction of Methamphetamine or ‘Ice,’ as it is called in the streets. Until 2007, it was heroin that was mainly used; Methamphetamine was almost unheard of. In 2007, however, following a detection by the Customs at the Colombo International Airport, 09kg of the substance were submitted to the Government Analyst’s Department, thereby indicating that the drug was probably already being widely used.

Compared to the lengthy and tiresome process of producing heroin and cocaine, ice is produced with less effort in clandestine laboratories and this may be one of reasons for its abundance.

Countries all over the world have to deal with such clandestine drug laboratories. While it was in 2008 that a clandestine laboratory was discovered in Sri Lanka, i.e. in Kosgama, the expansion of the problem could be understood by the fact that currently around 200-300 cases are produced to the Government Analyst’s Department every month and that in 2020 the Sri Lanka Navy detected an amount of no less than 500kg.

It is not unusual for manufacturers to prepare a batch, make a sale, remove chemical residues and onsite equipment, and move on to carry on the process at another location. It must be mentioned that the manufacturing process associated with Illicit drugs is itself highly dangerous since it exposes those involved to highly toxic chemicals. Such chemicals can be corrosive, flammable, explosive, toxic and possibly radioactive.  Exposure can occur via absorption, inhalation, ingestion or injection. Generally, there are two health hazards associated with clandestine laboratories, criminal hazards (e.g., violence) and chemical hazards conditions.

The threat to the community is equally alarming. School children, including those in some leading schools have fallen victims of the menace of Ice. Dealers use various methods to induce children to get addicted to it. It is observed that some small boutiques which operate around schools sell Ice discretely to children through brokers.

The Police has launched a series of measures to curb this problem. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education have also developed strategies to protect children from this peril.  Hence, it may be a timely move to examine deeply the various aspects of the problem to obtain a clearer picture.

Methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘Meth’ or ‘Ice,’ is a potent and highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. This synthetic drug has a profound impact on both the brain and the body, leading to a range of physical, psychological, and social consequences.

Methamphetamine was first synthesized in Japan in the early 20th century. It was initially created as a derivative of amphetamine, a drug used for various medical purposes, including the treatment of narcolepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). During World War II, both Allied and Axis forces used amphetamines to enhance alertness and combat fatigue.

The escalation of methamphetamine distribution has led to legislative measures to control its availability. In Sri Lanka methamphetamine is controlled under the ‘Poison Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance’ and ‘The Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No 01 of 2008.’

Methamphetamine is typically found in two forms: a crystalline substance commonly known as ‘Crystal Meth’ or ‘Ice’ as well as a powdered form. In the recent past it was manufactured as eye catching tablets too. The crystal form is purer and more potent, often resembling translucent shards or blue-white crystals, whereas the powdered form is typically mixed with other substances.

Methamphetamine exerts a powerful influence on the body. The immediate physical effects of methamphetamine use include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils, decreased appetite, and heightened alertness. Users often report an initial rush of euphoria, energy, and confidence, which can last for several hours.

However, the physical toll of methamphetamine on the body is severe. Prolonged use can lead to a range of health issues, including cardiovascular problems (heart attacks and strokes), dental problems (commonly referred to as ‘meth mouth’), skin sores from intense itching and weight loss due to decreased appetite and nutritional neglect.

Chronic methamphetamine use can lead to severe psychological issues, such as paranoia, hallucinations, aggression, and extreme mood swings. Users often experience a ‘crash’ when the effects of the drug wear off, which can drive them to use more methamphetamine to escape these negative feelings.

The use and production of methamphetamine have profound social implications. It is a drug that often leads to addiction, and addicted individuals may engage in risky behavior to obtain the drug, including theft, prostitution, and drug-related violence.

Communities affected by methamphetamine often experience increased crime rates. In a strained health care system, the social impact of methamphetamine abuse is devastating. Families and communities suffer as individuals become addicted, leading to broken relationships, loss of employment, and financial instability. For individuals who get addicted to Methamphetamine, the drug’s long-term effects can lead to unemployment, homelessness, and a cycle of poverty. Methamphetamine abuse often results in broken relationships, erratic behavior, aggression, and paranoia, straining social connections and causing isolation. The drug’s prevalence in some communities has led to increased crime rates and overloaded social services, further deteriorating the social fabric.

Its illegal status reflects the understanding of the immense risks associated with its use. Enforcement, and efforts to combat this issue must continue to focus on both preventing new users and providing effective support for those struggling with addiction, fostering healthier communities and a brighter future for all.

Addressing the challenges posed by methamphetamine abuse requires a multifaceted approach, including prevention, treatment, and community support to combat this devastating public health issue.

When considered the ages of identified addicts in Sri Lanka, it is clearly evident that the majority happen to be the youth. The future of the country is therefore at stake here and it is imperative that all relevant authorities execute well planned measures to curb this menace.