'I AM A STUDENT AND A DRUG PEDDLER'

AHMEDABAD: Unlike their classmates, Amit, Nirav, Robin, Jignesh, think
it is a waste of time studying for a nine-to-five job. They have
already found a way of making quick bucks - drug peddling. They
deliver drugs as casually as pizza delivery men, seeing it as a
business opportunity rather than crime.

These youngsters from fairly affluent backgrounds have replaced the
shady characters who accost you in dark alleys whispering "hash" and
"marihuana".

Alarmingly, drugs like LSD, ecstasy, cocaine, brown sugar, heroine,
grass, are just a mobile call away. And those delivering them are none
other than collegians. Whether it is the imposing lawn of a classy
hotel or a farmhouse party, they promise a free delivery at your point.

"Just as profile of drug users has changed, so has the mode of supply.
There has been a sea change in kind of suppliers of drugs controlled
by a mafia syndicate," says former intelligence officer Narcotics
Control Bureau (NCB).

He adds, "College students, who are hooked to drugs and need money to
uphold the habit, are roped in the drug trade by drug peddlers to tap
potential market in schools and colleges."

However, insiders say that the margins are so high in drug trading
that even students get lured into the trade.

Talking about traits of the trade, Nirav says, "Options just unfolded
for me. For buying brown sugar and grass, I often met pushers in
Gomitpur and near Teen Darwaza. One day, one of them asked me if I was
interested in trading, I refused that very moment as I stay with my
family here."

This happened a year ago. Today, this 22-year-old commerce student
delivers a variety of drugs - from 'premium' to 'desi'.

"The drugs you get in the western part of the city are often
adulterated and people fear going to the old city or Bavla for buying
the original stuff. So I supplied drugs to friends. Why should I take
such high risks for free?" asks Nirav. "I can't afford to be caught, I
belong to a business family and doing this for the fast money. Once I
get settle, will quit the trade."

(All names have been changed)