Hyderabad police, in association with drug control officials, recently seized 288 Mephentermine Sulphate injections being sold illegally and arrested two individuals. One of those arrested was a gym trainer who had been illegally selling the drug which is typically used to treat blood pressure. Bodybuilders have been known to misuse it to extend their workouts and gain more muscles. Nitish, a gym trainer in the Dhoolpet area, was arrested with 126 vials of Mephentermine Sulphate injection, 50 sterile water amples, and 100 syringes in Durga Nagar Chowrasta under the limits of the Mailardevpally Police Station. Another accused, Rahul, was absconding.
Police had received information from sources about illegal sales of the injection and subsequently arrested Nitish based on a complaint by drug inspector Shailaja Rani. The accused has been booked under several sections of the Indian Penal Code related to cheating, poisoning, and rash or negligent acts endangering life. Nitish had also been involved in two prior criminal cases, including the illegal sale of the same injection.
The police also arrested Sohel Nahedi, who was carrying a bag containing 162 vials of Mephentermine Sulphate injections. The accused was procuring injections for Rs. 300 per vial and selling them for Rs. 1000-1,400 per vial. This illegal activity could have severe consequences for unsuspecting customers as the drug can cause cardiac arrest and death if misused.
Mephentermine is a medicine that falls into the sympathomimetic category as it activates chemical messengers (adrenaline) that reduce the diameter of blood vessels. The drug also improves the heart’s pumping ability, which helps to increase blood pressure. The drug is given under medical supervision to increase low blood pressure in patients, making its misuse potentially life-threatening.
The police booked the accused under several IPC sections related to cheating, poisoning, and rash or negligent acts endangering life. Misuse of the injection can lead to cardiac arrest or death, making this a grave threat to public health.
