The drug is being used by adults, youth and even schoolchildren, it adds.

Details on this regard have emerged after a raid by the Walana anti-corruption unit and the Drug Regulation Authority in Puttalam.

District Food and Drugs Control Officer - Nihal Premaratne said that the private sector is not allowed to import or sell this pain killer due to previous reports of misuse.

Noting that the drug is only available at the State Pharmaceutical Corporation, Mr. Premaratne said that the drug is being widely misused in the Chilaw coastal strip.

Speaking, Director of the Kandy Teaching Hospital - Dr. R.M.S.K. Rathnayake said that the use of this medicine for drug intoxication could lead to short and long term effects.

(Source : BBC Sandeshaya)