Drug dealers target children using narcotic laced inhalers

By Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon

Police have asked parents and teachers to be vigilant of children using inhalers that are normally used for respiratory illnesses as narcotic dealers have invented a new method of targeting schoolchildren in and around Colombo with narcotic laced inhalers.

“The device was made as an Inhaler which is sold for about Rs.15,000 each. This new device was identified following complaints lodged by parents,” Police Media Spokesman SSP Jaliya Senaratne said addressing media on Friday.

SSP Senaratne said the aim of the drug dealers was to make schoolchildren addicted to drugs by giving them the same type of inhaler used for respiratory ailments and the unsuspecting children could easily fall prey to such tricks.

The police had commenced investigations after some parents handed over several inhalers sold to their children to the police, the SP.

The police are conducting investigations to find the drug dealers, who sold the devices.

“Children suffering from respiratory disorders needed these devices for medical purposes. Therefore parents should be extra vigilant,” he added.