Egyptian security forces arrested a popular media personality and a foreign national after seizing LE145 million worth of the drugs “Lyrica” and “GHB, sparking widespread questions about their health effects and the harm they can cause when misused.
Investigations conducted by the General Administration for Drug Control, in coordination with relevant security agencies, revealed that a foreign criminal residing in the Fifth Settlement district was trafficking in the ‘date rape drug’ by purchasing it from an online website in another country.
He then shipped it to a third country before smuggling it into Egypt hidden in packages labeled with a cleaning company logo to evade detection. The aim was to sell it to young people for illegal profit. Following legal procedures, he was arrested and found in possession of 180 liters of the ‘date rape drug’.
Upon questioning, he confessed to his criminal activities. Additionally, one of his clients, a media personality/social media influencer with a criminal record, was identified and arrested. She was found to be promoting the drug among young people in exchange for money and was found in possession of a bottle containing a narcotic substance and a number of narcotic pills.
Lyrica (Pregabalin)
Lyrica is primarily used to treat nerve pain caused by diabetes or spinal cord injuries, and it’s also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and some types of epilepsy.
Dangers of misuse
Physical and psychological addiction: Overdosing on Lyrica can lead to physical and psychological dependence on the drug, making the person constantly need to increase the dosage to achieve the same effect.
Psychological effects: Lyrica can cause symptoms such as hallucinations, depression, and mood swings.
Physical effects: The most prominent side effects include dizziness, decreased heart rate, and difficulty breathing, increasing the risk of a potentially fatal overdose.
Social problems: Drug addiction affects a person’s social and professional life, leading to a deterioration in their daily performance.
GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid): Medical uses and misuse
GHB is used legally to treat sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, as it helps regulate the sleep cycle and improve its quality. It’s also used to alleviate some neurological problems.
Misuse and risks
Severe addiction: Excessive use of this drug can lead to rapid dependence, which can harm both mental and physical health.
Central nervous system depression: GHB can slow down breathing and heart rate, putting the individual at risk of death.
Psychological effects: These include short-term memory loss, hallucinations, and severe mood swings.
Fatal overdose: Overdosing, especially when mixing GHB with alcohol or other drugs, can be fatal.
Risks of GHB in sexual assaults
GHB is sometimes known as the “date rape drug” due to its ability to incapacitate victims without their knowledge. The drug is colorless and odorless, making it easy to slip into drinks.
It can cause loss of consciousness and memory impairment, facilitating sexual assault. GHB can cause drowsiness and confusion, and can be given to victims without them noticing, leaving them unable to resist or comprehend what is happening.
These characteristics have made GHB one of the most controversial drugs in sexual assault cases. Although both Lyrica and GHB have legitimate medical uses, their misuse can lead to serious health problems that can threaten lives.
It is important to exercise caution when using these substances and to avoid taking them except under the strict supervision of a medical professional to ensure public health safety.
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