Drug abuse at big matches

by Ananda Kannangara

The Health Ministry has focused attention on the use of Corex-D syrup and Tramadol tablets by certain schoolboys during the current big match season. The Health Ministry has warned parents of young schoolboys who go to cricket grounds to be vigilant over the behaviour of their children as they too could use such drugs.

These drugs could cause kidney, liver and brain damage and many other health complications.

Senior Health Ministry spokesman W.M.D. Wanninayake told the Sunday Observer that this follows a directive by Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena after information was received that some schoolboys are in the habit of taking Corex-D syrup and Tramadol tablets to seek undue pleasure during the big match season.

He said Corex-D is a cough syrup and Tramadol is a pain killer used as substitutes for alcohol and narcotics.

The drugs have narcotic effects and are addictive when taken in excess doses. The drugs are sold only on prescription.

A spokesman for the Ministry said there are over 3,000 pharmacies in the country and raids are being carried out to check whether these drugs are sold without a prescription from a registered practitioner. Legal action will be taken against the offenders.