The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has reported that newer mixes of “happy water” – illegal concoctions made from multiple narcotics – are spreading among young people. Sellers are reportedly adding collagen or electrolytes to the mix to increase the appeal of the liquids and to claim that they are beneficial to health.
ONCB Deputy Secretary-General Piyasiri Wattanavarangkul presided over a discussion held to exchange ideas on preventing narcotic abuse and addressing the narcotics problem with consideration given to specific narcotic substances.
After the discussion, Piyasiri told press members the ONCB has detected irregularities in the composition of “happy water” that has been seized by officials. He said happy water was previously made by combining ecstasy, ketamine, and sleeping pills. More recently, other narcotics have been used in the concoction to increase the variety of offerings for users. According to Piyasiri, different mixtures are used in each locality and the sellers will claim that these liquids were medicines.
The deputy secretary-general revealed that the number of young persons who were addicted to narcotics has jumped twofold in the past couple of months. The ONCB was aware of the significance of this development and sought to rapidly address the situation with happy water.
Ariphak Ngoenbamrung, a bureau director at the ONCB, said the detrimental effects on the health of users become more intensified when multiple narcotics are mixed together as in the case of happy water. She also disclosed the ONCB has found that happy water had been mixed with non-narcotic substances such as coffee, collagen, or electrolyte beverage and then sold for 3,000 baht or more.
She acknowledged it was difficult for authorities to control happy water, urging parents and schools to help keep young people away from narcotics. (NNT)
