BANGKOK, 16 Oct 2013, The Ministry of Public Health has enlisted animal tranquilizer Xylazine as a controlled substance, requiring a prescription from a vet to purchase.
According to Deputy Secretary General of the Food and Drugs Administration Dr. Pathom Sawanpanyalert, the sub-committee on Animal Medicine Registration has resolved to raise the threat level of Xylazine to a controlled medicine, which requires buyers to get a prescription from a vet. In addition, the drug will only be available at veterinary pharmaceuticals that have the license to sell controlled substances.
Both the producers and the sellers have been asked to keep inventory of the drugs as well. The measure is expected to take effect at the end of this month.
Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police have been working round the clock hunting the group of criminals which uses Xylazine to knock their victims unconscious before robbing them in Mor Chit bus station and Hua Lam Phong Central train station.
According to authorities, the investigating team is examining CCTV footage in several city’s hospitals, citing the connection between the incidents in the hospitals and the transportation hubs. Police believe that there is only one culprit but do not rule out the possibility of him having accomplices.
The city cops have vowed to bring to justice the perpetrator of the crimes as soon as possible before he causes anymore damage. The origin of the Xylazine used in the crimes is also under investigation.
