South Asian Drug on Ontario Law Enforcement's Radar

UNCLAS TORONTO 000042

SIPDIS

STATE FOR INL/LP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV SNAR KCRM CA
SUBJECT: South Asian Drug on Ontario Law Enforcement's Radar


1. (U) Summary: Local authorities have begun to see an increasing
number of cases involving doda, an opium-related drug popular in the
local South Asian immigrant community. The drug's relative low cost
and easy availability (the drug is made from the same poppy flowers
used by florists) have added to its popularity. Although local
authorities have been aware of doda for some time, a lack of
information about the drug's content limited their actions. Recent
analysis released by Health Canada, however, indicates doda contains
substances prohibited under Canada's Controlled Substance Act. As a
result of these findings, we are likely to see more publicity about
doda and more doda-related arrests in the Greater Toronto Area
(GTA). End Summary.

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CULTURALLY ENTRENCHED, DODA UNDER THE RADAR UNTIL RECENTLY
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2. (U) Traditionally used in South Asian communities in the Toronto
Area, Doda (sometimes spelled dode) is a powder made by grinding the
husk and seeds of the poppy flower. Doda is taken with tea or water
and produces a quick high, followed by a sense of calm or
well-being. However, the drug can become addictive and, in large
amounts can lead to an overdose. Unlike khat, a comparable drug
popular with East African and Middle Eastern users, doda retains its
potency for several days and has a long shelf life. Doda is mostly
used by men in long-shift jobs such as truck drivers, taxi drivers,
and factory workers, to help them stay awake.


3. (U) Despite the drug's reported popularity in the GTA for several
years, until recently, police have not been able to make arrests for
doda use because there has been little information about the drug's
content. Prompted by a high-profile arrest in late 2008 when police
seized more than 38 kilograms of doda with a street value of
C$68,000, Health Canada analyzed the opiate content in doda. Health
Canada's analysis showed doda contains codeine and morphine, which
are prohibited under Schedule I of Canada's Controlled Drugs and
Substances Act. The agency's findings have taken doda out of its
previous legal grey area. (Note: Under the U.S. Controlled
Substances Act, the powder would be considered a Schedule II drug.)

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CHEAP AND EASY TO FIND, POPULARITY IS INCREASING
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4. (U) Doda powder is easily available for as little as C$1 per gram
in flea markets, small grocery stores, and meat shops in South Asian
neighborhoods. Some users reportedly spend C$10-$40 per day on
doda. Some reports have indicated that the drug sellers rely on
sources of poppy flowers imported from the U.S., as well as from
other countries. Arizona apparently is a prime U.S. source area,
where the flower grows in the wild and is available through online
retailers.


5. (U) There is a growing concern that teenagers are mixing doda
with other drugs, creating a volatile mix. During his three years
on the Brampton, Ontario city council, Vicky Dhillon, a member of
the South Asian community, has been a long-time advocate of banning
doda. In his campaign against the drug, he refers to the damage he
has seen the drug cause to his community, as well as the evidence
that the drug is spreading to the local high schools.


6. (U) Comment: At present, doda is most popular in the immigrant
South Asian communities of Toronto. Until recently it was readily
available in corner shops throughout the GTA. However, a high
profile arrest and Canadian government analysis have put a spotlight
on the drug, but it is not yet clear how this recent attention has
affected the availability of the drug. With the new information
about the narcotic content of doda, we expect to see and hear more
about this drug and about doda-related arrests both within and
outside the South Asian community.

NAY