Cover image via The Telegraph UKIn an unexpected turn of events, the Kuala Lumpur Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department chief has issued a warning against consuming cakes laced with poppy seeds
"They can be charged under Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries a maximum two years' jail or RM5,000 fine, for taking drugs," added Kuala Lumpur Narcotics CID chief, SAC Wan Abdullah Ishak.
Image via PhilStar Global
The KL Narcotics chief pinned the reason for this restriction on the authorities' recent revelation on how 'Lemon Poppy Seed' cakes are being sold openly, despite the government's ban on the oilseeds
"Even with possession of less than five gm of ganja from the poppy plant, is an offence under Section 6 of the DDA 1952, which carries a maximum five years' jail and RM20,000 fine on conviction," added Wan, as reported by Bernama.
He further revealed that the poppy seed cakes that were reportedly sold for RM13 each, tested positive for morphine.
**"The buyer after consuming a large portion would feel a sense of 'high' or euphoria," he explained, in a report by Bernama.**
The news report, however, did not specify the names of cafes that are reportedly selling these cakes.
However, Wan Abdullah stressed that the authorities will only proceed to take action against these cafes once the investigations are complete and fruitful
Meanwhile, the National Council of Professors (MPN) had expressed their concerns over the prolonged consumption of poppy seeds and its adverse health effects, especially among children
While poppy seed cakes may not ring a bell for many, the oilseed in itself is highly common in Asian cooking, especially the Indian cuisine.
Added mostly to create texture, aroma and thickness to curries, poppy seeds add an exquisite flavour to Indian dishes.
Poppy seeds are extracted from opium poppy, a flowering plant that is native to eastern Mediterranean.
Having been around for centuries, Czech Republic is the biggest producer of poppy seeds at 24,665 metric tonnes per year.
According to a journal on [European Food Safety Authority](http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/2405), the opium poppy plant contains morphine and codeine but the extracted seeds however, do not naturally contain opium alkaloids but can be contaminated through poor harvesting practices.
The journal also revealed that the consumption of these contaminated poppy seeds can lead to the presence of morphine in urine, which most often interferes with drug abuse tests.
Image via Cava
How 'intoxicating' are poppy seeds?
According to a book titled, 'Intoxication: The Universal Drive For Mind-Altering Substances', a small amount of poppy seeds in breads and food may "affect human palates but not behaviour, despite the detectable presence of morphine in subsequent blood or urine samples".
But when fed with a concentrated diet of poppy seeds, there may be behavioural influence in children. So, a slice of a poppy seed cake may not have you woozy but chugging down a great deal more may have the potential to alter your behaviour.
An excerpt from the book also noted that Indians are known to prepare a concoction of syrup, poppy flowers and seeds to soothe and induce sleep in children.
