OPIUM-LIKE DRUG 'DODA' HITS ALBERTA

Many First Take Addictive Tea To Cope With Long Hours Of Tedious
Work

It's a close cousin to opium--a highly addictive brew made from the
dried seeds and husks of the opium poppy that produces a sustained
feeling of bliss.

It's called doda--a "new trend in opium consumption," according to the
RCMP--and it's has police and politicians very worried.

Canada's border police have made two massive recent seizures of the
exotic drug in southern Alberta. One Alberta politician says he's
seeing families in Calgary's South Asian population torn apart by the
drug.

"I have seen families ruined by this," said Darshan Kang, who is the
MLA for Calgary-McCall. "Those people, they will spend all their money
on this."

Doda is typically brewed up as a tea, providing an addictive high that
breaks the monotony of repetitive work and helps people get through
long hours on the job, say those who have seen its effects.

Community leaders, police and politicians are increasingly worried
about the growing popularity of doda among some members of the South
Asian community who work as cleaners, cabbies and truck drivers.

"Sure, they think they are working longer hours, they are trying to
put the bread and butter on the table," said Kang. "But once they get
addicted to this, just to feed their addiction alone, they won't be
doing anybody any good."

On Sept. 22, Canada Border Services Agency officers inspected a
shipping container declared as "dried grasses." Inside, officers found
2,700 kilograms of dried poppy pods worth an estimated $5.45 million.

The next day, CBSA officers became suspicious when a second container
declared as "dried flowers" was awaiting clearance for entry into
Canada. Officers found another 4,500 kilograms of dried poppy pods
with an estimated street value of more than $9 million.

According to the CBSA, the pods are typically turned into doda.

In August, Edmonton police seized more than 70 kilograms of dried
opium poppy heads and charged one man with possession for the purpose
of trafficking.

The drug typically has been peddled in small grocery stores, flower
shops and at flea markets, according to police. The brown-greyish
powder sells for around$10 for 10 grams and brings a quick rush of
euphoria, followed by a state of calm.

The drug can take a significant toll on users and their families, said
Balwinder Singh Kahlon, a founder of Drug Awareness Foundation
Calgary, an anti-drug group.

Every few days, Kahlon gets a call from the family of someone hooked
on doda. He recently heard of a person who went from spending $300 to
$1,200 a month on the drug.

"The first time they take (doda), it will increase their working
ability," said Kahlon. "Next day they need more, next day they need
more. Then they become addicted to it. It's an addictive drug."