Police warn poppy-based doda illegal

Thursday, February 05, 2009

By: Sean Casey

Police are warning Torontonians about a highly addictive drug called doda, which is being sold in many South Asian communities in Brampton and Toronto. Flower, coffee and meat shops all sell the drug for low prices.

Due to its easy flowing nature, the drug is believed by many to be a legal substance, but police are warning that the drug is illegal and are working to shut down anyone who is selling it.

Const. Wayne Patterson, of Peel Region Media Relations explained how the drug is made.

“Doda is a powder like opium or heroine that is ground out of poppy husks and poppy seeds.” Patterson said the doda is sold on street level. “We got a warrant to go into a meat shop. We’re looking into other shops.”

The meat shop that was discovered to be selling the illegal substance was shut down. Other businesses have been shut down as well.

Doda is reported to give an immediate energy boost to the user, much like an energy drink. But the drug becomes highly addictive in the manner of opium or heroin.

“Anyone found with the substance would be subject to investigation,” Patterson said. “If we find it on you, you’re at risk of a possible charge or even being arrested.”