Three were arrested for supplying illegal drugs to gym-goers in Telangana

HYDERABAD: A special zonal crime team on Saturday arrested a 22-year-old AC technician in Asifnagar for illegally procuring 150 vials of mephentermine sulfate injections.

This injection is a cardiac stimulant used to increase blood pressure for medical procedures with a doctor's prescription. However, officers discovered that the drug was being illegally stored and sold to gym-goers for use in bodybuilding.

The accused identified as Syed Affan was handed over to the Drug Control Agency to take necessary action. Police found that the drug can lead to serious health complications and side effects such as systemic hypertension, anxiety and intoxication.

Meanwhile, DCA's sleuths also identified two people in Asifnagar and Karwan who were stocking the jab to sell it to gym-goers at inflated prices. The duo, Atif Khan and Ajay Singh, were booked for violating the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and 210 vials of the injection were seized from them.

The DCA officials said: “Misuse of mephentermine sulfate injections can lead to various side effects, including psychosis, cardiovascular disorders and the development of tolerance and dependence over time.”

Those involved in such cases could face a prison sentence of up to five years, the officials added.