Surrey RCMP said Thursday they have made a large seizure of doda, a little-known drug sometimes called “poor man’s heroin” that is gaining in popularity among South Asian communities in Canada.
Doda is a grayish powder containing opiates derived from crushed poppy plant husks and pods.
“Hundreds of pounds of poppy pods and finished product along with crushing and grinding equipment” were found in a “large, industrial-scale milling and manufacturing operation in a very busy shopping center complex” in Surrey, police said.
Four people were taken into police custody at the scene and later released.
Charges are pending following a lab test by Health Canada to confirm the presence of drugs that are prohibited under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, police said.
Known as “poor man’s heroin” because it contains codeine and morphine, police want to crack down on the drug, which is said to be popular among cab drivers and truckers because it breaks up the monotony of the work.
Doda is normally consumed with tea and among its side effects are feelings of pleasure and calmness, followed by mood swings, body aches, and loss of concentration. Police say it is believed to be addictive.
Doda is worth about $2,000 per kilogram and typically bought in small packages priced at about $20.
gwood@vancouversun.com
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