A video went viral that depicted a man appearing disoriented while standing on a road in Thane, Maharashtra. Initial reports suggested he might have been under the influence of a substance known as a “zombie drug.” However, the local police have since clarified that he was not affected by this alleged drug but had instead ingested an overdose of Pregabalin, a medication prescribed for nerve pain.

The police launched an investigation after noting the video, ensuring the individual was identified and the claims circulating on social media were verified. The Mira Bhayander-Vasai Virar police reported that the footage was captured at approximately 10 pm on April 13, and the man in question was named Sameer Rajendra Rawal, a twenty-two-year-old labourer from Achham district in Nepal. Rawal had been residing on a footpath near Borivali Railway Station in Mumbai.

Authorities managed to locate Rawal on a road in Bhayander on April 17. During their questioning, he revealed that he had arrived in India from Nepal the previous month in search of employment and had developed a dependency on Pregabalin tablets over the last two years.

Rawal’s Drug Use and Incident Explanation

Rawal informed the police that he would buy a strip of ten Pregabalin tablets for Rs 100 and used them for their intoxicating effects. After arriving in Bhayander, he purchased the tablets from a local medical store in Navghar without a prescription. On the evening of April 13, he reportedly consumed five tablets simultaneously, which led to his disorientation.

The disorientation resulted in him feeling dizzy and unable to move, leaving him standing in one spot for an extended period. The investigation firmly established that his condition was due to the excessive intake of Pregabalin, which is classified as a Schedule-H drug, meaning it requires a prescription for legal procurement.

Law enforcement officials clarified that no other substances, including any so-called “zombie drug,” were involved in the incident. The full circumstances surrounding Rawal’s medical condition were attributed entirely to the misuse of the prescribed medication.

Actions Taken by Authorities

A team of officials, in conjunction with members of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), conducted an inspection of the medical shop where Rawal had obtained his tablets. It was found that the shopkeeper had vacated the premises shortly after the incident gained public attention. This raised concerns regarding the legalities of the sale of medication without proper prescriptions.

Consequently, a report has been submitted to the FDA in Thane, prompting necessary actions against the medical shop owner for allegedly supplying Schedule-H drugs without following legal prescription protocols. Police officials underscored the importance of regulating the sale of such medications to prevent future incidents of misuse.

The authorities continue to address the issue of drug misuse, emphasising the need for public awareness regarding the health risks associated with the consumption of prescription medications without medical guidance. The situation shows a clear need for stricter regulations surrounding the distribution of such pharmaceuticals in the region.

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