Yaba (drug)
Encyclopedia
Ya ba are tablets containing a mixture of methamphetamine
and caffeine
.
and Indonesia
is shabú. In North Thailand it is often referred to as "Chocalee" due to a somewhat sweet taste Yaba pills leave in the mouth. baba, Nseries, Guti, Lappy, chompa, red rose, pill, bichi, nose, collection, Gari, speed and Tip (Womens wears in their head in Bangladesh) are some of the names under which yaba is known in Bangladesh
. Now-a-days Yaba is being known as GP(GrameenPhone), C(Citycell), R(Robi) in Bangladesh. Those C, GP, R are named on Mobile Phone operators in Bangladesh based on i's quality.In Myanmar
it is called "jokey" , "ball" and "yama".
Methamphetamine is also known as "Nazi speed", a reference to its widespread use (under the brand name "Pervitin") in Nazi Germany
's military during World War II
.
but round), which means they can be packed inside a regular drinking straw for easy transportation. Or in a reusable 'mint' container.
Quality varies according to source, most are manufactured for "chasing
" on aluminum foil or inside covers of cigarette packs: placing part of the pill on aluminum foil and inhaling the fumes through a straw as a lighter slowly heats the aluminum foil. It is also common to simply swallow the drug in pill form; this method lengthens the duration of the drug to between four and six hours, as compared to half an hour when smoked, and reduces the intensity considerably. A variation of Ya-Ba from Laos is injected by the consumer. This illegal drug combination is especially popular in south-east Asia, where it is imported from neighboring Burma or Laos or manufactured locally.
There are many different ways to inhale the drug, including fashioning water funnels, called 'turbo', out of empty water/glass bottles attached to two straws (bongs) and aluminum foil. This helps cool the burning mixture through water before it is inhaled. In theory, this method leaves the toxic chemical additives in the water and reduces the damage caused to the lungs while allowing the intoxicating drug to safely pass through the water. Glass pipes specifically designed for users are frequently given away at no extra cost by dealers in south-east Asia. A white residue is left on the surface of the glass pipe which is later smoked to continue the intoxication.
's campaign from 2003 onwards to eliminate drug-trafficking has further helped to curtail widespread use, in particular, use of the drug by bus drivers is not as widespread as it was in 1980s.
As a result of the Thai government crackdown, restricted supply has had a huge effect on prices, further curtailing the popular use of Yaba. In 1999-2000, when buying a straw-full (around 20 pills) in Mueang (Chiang Rai province, North Thailand), Yaba was sold for around ฿10 per pill and commonly used on the go-go circuit and by young 'MTV' clubbers. Retail prices have risen from 100–150 baht
(US$3–4) to 250–450 baht per pill as a result of the crackdown, though it remains a popular party drug.
In 2000 Yaba was smuggled across the loose border with Myanmar and from the neighbouring Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces of Thailand. Illegal traffickers often marketed or 'promoted' their product by claiming that the pills contained up to 6% heroin. Rumour suggested it was produced by the corrupt personnel of Wa State Army
in Myanmar.
In February 2010 it was reported that increasingly large quantities of Yaba are being smuggled into Israel by Thai migrant workers leading to fears that its use will spread to the Israeli club scene, where Ecstasy use is already common. In recent years it has also been used by immigrant populations in the United States
, and occasionally as a club drug replacing ecstasy.
being affected. After several hours the user experiences the come-down and feels decreased appetite, increased respiration and hypothermia
.
Hair loss can also be an indicator of a long-term user, either as a direct result of the drug intake, or indirectly through the user becoming withdrawn and anxious and contracting behavioural habits, such as hair pulling. Other reported symptoms also include lower back pain, possibly from damage to the liver or kidneys.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant of the phenethylamine and amphetamine class of psychoactive drugs...
and caffeine
Caffeine
Caffeine is a bitter, white crystalline xanthine alkaloid that acts as a stimulant drug. Caffeine is found in varying quantities in the seeds, leaves, and fruit of some plants, where it acts as a natural pesticide that paralyzes and kills certain insects feeding on the plants...
.
Alternative names
Yaba is sometimes called bhul bhuliya in India. The name commonly used for it in the PhilippinesPhilippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
and Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
is shabú. In North Thailand it is often referred to as "Chocalee" due to a somewhat sweet taste Yaba pills leave in the mouth. baba, Nseries, Guti, Lappy, chompa, red rose, pill, bichi, nose, collection, Gari, speed and Tip (Womens wears in their head in Bangladesh) are some of the names under which yaba is known in Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Bangladesh , officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south...
. Now-a-days Yaba is being known as GP(GrameenPhone), C(Citycell), R(Robi) in Bangladesh. Those C, GP, R are named on Mobile Phone operators in Bangladesh based on i's quality.In Myanmar
Myanmar
Burma , officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar , is a country in Southeast Asia. Burma is bordered by China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, the Bay of Bengal to the southwest, and the Andaman Sea on the south....
it is called "jokey" , "ball" and "yama".
Methamphetamine is also known as "Nazi speed", a reference to its widespread use (under the brand name "Pervitin") in Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany , also known as the Third Reich , but officially called German Reich from 1933 to 1943 and Greater German Reich from 26 June 1943 onward, is the name commonly used to refer to the state of Germany from 1933 to 1945, when it was a totalitarian dictatorship ruled by...
's military during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
Appearance and use
Yaba is typically produced in a round pill form. They are brightly colored in red, orange or lime green and carry logos such as "R" or "WY". They are small and round, roughly 6 mm in diameter (similar size to SmintSmint
Smint is a type of minty candy. Every Smint candy has a triangular shape with an engraved "S".-Products:Smint produce three different products in a variety of flavours....
but round), which means they can be packed inside a regular drinking straw for easy transportation. Or in a reusable 'mint' container.
Quality varies according to source, most are manufactured for "chasing
Chasing the dragon
"Chasing the dragon" refers to inhaling the vapor from heated morphine, heroin, oxycodone or opium that has been placed on a piece of foil...
" on aluminum foil or inside covers of cigarette packs: placing part of the pill on aluminum foil and inhaling the fumes through a straw as a lighter slowly heats the aluminum foil. It is also common to simply swallow the drug in pill form; this method lengthens the duration of the drug to between four and six hours, as compared to half an hour when smoked, and reduces the intensity considerably. A variation of Ya-Ba from Laos is injected by the consumer. This illegal drug combination is especially popular in south-east Asia, where it is imported from neighboring Burma or Laos or manufactured locally.
There are many different ways to inhale the drug, including fashioning water funnels, called 'turbo', out of empty water/glass bottles attached to two straws (bongs) and aluminum foil. This helps cool the burning mixture through water before it is inhaled. In theory, this method leaves the toxic chemical additives in the water and reduces the damage caused to the lungs while allowing the intoxicating drug to safely pass through the water. Glass pipes specifically designed for users are frequently given away at no extra cost by dealers in south-east Asia. A white residue is left on the surface of the glass pipe which is later smoked to continue the intoxication.
Rise and fall in popularity in Thailand
Yaba tablets were sold at gas stations and commonly used by Thai truckers to stay awake. After many horrific long-distance bus accidents, they were outlawed by the Thai government in 1970. The deposed Prime Minister Thaksin ShinawatraThaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra is a Thai businessman and politician, who was Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, when he was overthrown in a military coup....
's campaign from 2003 onwards to eliminate drug-trafficking has further helped to curtail widespread use, in particular, use of the drug by bus drivers is not as widespread as it was in 1980s.
As a result of the Thai government crackdown, restricted supply has had a huge effect on prices, further curtailing the popular use of Yaba. In 1999-2000, when buying a straw-full (around 20 pills) in Mueang (Chiang Rai province, North Thailand), Yaba was sold for around ฿10 per pill and commonly used on the go-go circuit and by young 'MTV' clubbers. Retail prices have risen from 100–150 baht
Thai baht
The baht is the currency of Thailand. It is subdivided into 100 satang . The issuance of currency is the responsibility of the Bank of Thailand.-History:The baht, like the pound, originated from a traditional unit of mass...
(US$3–4) to 250–450 baht per pill as a result of the crackdown, though it remains a popular party drug.
In 2000 Yaba was smuggled across the loose border with Myanmar and from the neighbouring Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces of Thailand. Illegal traffickers often marketed or 'promoted' their product by claiming that the pills contained up to 6% heroin. Rumour suggested it was produced by the corrupt personnel of Wa State Army
United Wa State Army
The United Wa State Army is an ethnic minority army of an estimated 30,000 Wa soldiers of Myanmar's Special Region No. 2 led by Bao Youxiang . There is no recognised Wa State in Myanmar, which is divided into divisions, states, and special regions...
in Myanmar.
Other countries
In 2006, Yaba consumption became fashionable for the well-to-do in Bangladesh. A series of highly publicized drug raids in 2007 by authorities implicated some well-known business people there.In February 2010 it was reported that increasingly large quantities of Yaba are being smuggled into Israel by Thai migrant workers leading to fears that its use will spread to the Israeli club scene, where Ecstasy use is already common. In recent years it has also been used by immigrant populations in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, and occasionally as a club drug replacing ecstasy.
Dangers and effects
Immediate feelings are of light-headedness (and potentially dizziness), followed by euphoria, increased physical activity, heightened alertness and increased wakefulness as a result of the central nervous systemCentral nervous system
The central nervous system is the part of the nervous system that integrates the information that it receives from, and coordinates the activity of, all parts of the bodies of bilaterian animals—that is, all multicellular animals except sponges and radially symmetric animals such as jellyfish...
being affected. After several hours the user experiences the come-down and feels decreased appetite, increased respiration and hypothermia
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a condition in which core temperature drops below the required temperature for normal metabolism and body functions which is defined as . Body temperature is usually maintained near a constant level of through biologic homeostasis or thermoregulation...
.
Long term effects
Methamphetamine is highly addictive, with a long-term drug user taking 5-10 pills daily. Post come-down effects include irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, and aggressiveness.Hair loss can also be an indicator of a long-term user, either as a direct result of the drug intake, or indirectly through the user becoming withdrawn and anxious and contracting behavioural habits, such as hair pulling. Other reported symptoms also include lower back pain, possibly from damage to the liver or kidneys.
External links
- Yaba Fast Facts, National Drug Intelligence Center
- Asia & Pacific Amphetamine-Type Stimulants Information Centre, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
- Ya Ba - Speed Demons— photo essay by Jonathan Taylor for Time Asia
- Ya Ba Thailand's Crazy Drug — Report for UK Esquire 1999