THE OFFICE of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has announced a high alert about the so-called “virginity-loss” pills.
These pills, which are now widely promoted on the Internet, are likely to contain the tranquillizer alprazolam and are also sold overseas under the brand name Xanax.
ONCB secretary-general Niyom Termsrisuk has said, “The number of reported crimes involving these drugs has been rising.”
These psychoactive drugs will have sedative, amnesic, muscle-relaxant, anti-convulsant, anxiety-reducing, and hypnotic side effects.
So, they are normally prescribed to patients that are suffering from insomnia, agitation, anxiety disorders, seizures and alcohol dependence.
However, when abused, they can be very lethal to women.
For example, victims of sex crimes, will not remember anything if they are slipped these drugs and violated.
The people selling these drugs will normally promote them as “virginity loss” pills and then attracting buyers who have bad intentions.
Niyom has said that “Drugged victims are usually sexually abused or robbed,” and Niyom has also pointed out that alprazolam is classed as a prescription drug and could not be sold over the counter at pharmacies.
Thai law has harsh punishments in place for those who commit offences related to the drug.
An unlicensed importer, exporter or manufacturer of alprazolam faces a prison sentence of between five and 20 years plus a fine of between Bt500,000 and Bt2 million. However, an illegal seller faces a jail term of seven to 20 years and a fine of Bt700,000 to Bt2 million.
Persons found to be in illegal possession of the drug is liable to a jail term of between one and five years and/or a fine of Bt20,000 to Bt100,000; for the abuser, a maximum sentence is three years and/or a maximum fine of Bt60,000.
With all that said, the drug has still leaked into our Thai society and led to criminal offences being committed.
ONCB has now asked the police to closely monitor any entertainment venues to prevent any customers from abusing it.
Niyom has also reached out to parents and teachers to keep watch of their children or students to make sure they aren’t led astray.
The Consumer Protection Police Division will take action against a person advertising “virginity-loss pills” on social media.
