‘Organic meth’ going the heroin way?

What is organic meth?

• Methamphetamine (Meth) is a potent psychostimulant drug and neurotoxin.
• In low doses cause elevated mood and energy.
• While it has limited use as a legitimate pharmaceutical, methamphetamine has become a popular, addictive, and illegal recreational drug.
• This ‘organic meth’ is in high demand in countries like Australia.

What is the concern?

• A matter of grave concern is that an already well-established route for heroin trafficking across the world is being used to push it.
• The meth being seized of late is suspected to have been prepared using the precursor, ephedrine, extracted from Ephedra.
• There is emerging evidence of Afghanistan’s (a member of the golden crescent) role as a producer and supplier of ephedrine and methamphetamine.