‘8 x 100’ sweeps the South

PHUKET: A new recreational drug cocktail known as “8 x 100”, a direct descendant of the “4 x 100” that came to prominence in 2006, is now sweeping the Deep South, security officials say.

Thanu Neuang-uthai of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) for Region 4 said that he had visited many provinces in the region and found that the drug was spreading fast among youths.

Lt Thanu heads the Region 4 Psychology and Communications Team, which is responsible for dealing with drugs and illegal immigrants in the South.

The original “4 x 100” used the indigenous krathom leaves (a prohibited stimulant) as one of the major ingredients.

Since security forces have cracked down on the trade in krathom, youths have moved on to a complex new formula comprising longkong leaves, cola, ya bah (methamphetamines), cough medicine, mosquito repellent, florescent chemicals from tube lights, tobacco and yoghurt, Lt Thanu explained.

The new mixture, first reported in Songkhla’s Chana District, has since spread widely around the South and has now reached Ranong, Chumphon and Surat Thani. Many youths believe the longkong leaves used in the mixture act as an aphrodisiac, Lt Thanu said.

There are as yet no known reports of the drug being used in Phuket.

The original “4 x 100” contained krathom leaves, cough medicine, mosquito repellent coils and cola. The addition of chemicals from florescent lights had previously been reported in some areas.

Kretek cigarettes from Indonesia, which contain a mixture of cloves and tobacco, are also becoming very popular among young people in the South. Many youths reportedly believe these to act as an aphrodisiac, as well.

The report also mentioned a trend for getting high off a mysterious powdered drink, called “Ovaldi”, in a sachet similar to Ovaltine. It comes from a neighboring country. According to the report, youths in the South burn the powder while still in the plastic sachet until it is completely reduced to ash, and then snort it.

The report did not say what effects the youths hoped to get through this practice.

— Kom Chad Luek