Grannies caught taking drugs in party they call 'sports meet'

[Graphics/Huashang Daily]

(ECNS) - A group of grandmothers with an average age of more than 50 years old have been found taking drugs together since April 2014 in Wenzhou, East China's Zhejiang province.

The group often deceived their families by calling these parties "sports meets," say police.

Police detained four men and 16 women at a KTV room in an upmarket hotel and also seized two bags of the party drug ketamine on January 8.

Most of the 20 drug-takers are over 50 years old and are neighbors who have known each other for many years.

Investigations show that the drug addicts are mostly housewives who take care of their grandchildren at home or kill time by gambling or beautifying themselves.

They started taking drugs in April 2014 at a birthday party and became addicted over time. The cost of each gathering, usually 4000 to 5000 yuan ($639-799), was split by the group.

The drug users are from rich families, and some drive Mercedes-Benz cars. They told police they took the drug mainly because "they felt lonely."

Police warned there are signs that seniors are getting addicted to drugs because they are looking for excitement.

Elder drug users are more prone to serious health issues, as some already have high blood pressure or heart disease.

Police are calling for young people to take care of their parent's mental health, instead of just giving them money.