Erimin Nimetazepam is a benzodiazepine originated from Japan it is said to be invented after the chemical nitrazepam was invented in the western countries . It has a faster onset and a shorter half-life compared to Nitrazepam making it a drug of abuse. Nimetazepam distributed more rapidly in the brain than its desmethyl derivative (nitrazepam)[faster onset]. The brain concentration of the active metabolites of the former was about twice that of Nitrazepam at 1hour after oral administration. 2. At least four kinds of reactions were involved in the bio-transformation of nimetazepam and its desmethyl derivative (nitrazepam) (demethylation at N-1,hydroxylation at C-3, reduction of the nitro group at C-7 to the amino group and (iv) subsequent acetylation of the amino group. 3. The 1-N-demethylation of nimetazepam was slow compared with the other three reactions. 4. Nimetazepam was rapidly hydrogenated at C-3, while the 3-hydroxylation of its desmethyl derivative (nitrazepam) was very slow. 5. The reduction of the nitro group at C-7 and subsequent acetylation were important routes for the excretion of these drugs. To Simply things Erimin 5 (nimetazepam) Is a recreational chemical. IT FIRST appeared on the local drug scene three years ago when more than 90,000 pills were seized. Now, the tranquilizer Erimin-5, or nimetazepam, has become the drug of choice among abusers. Many of the 793 drug abusers arrested last year were on Erimin-5, according to the CNB’s annual drugs report Erimin-5 had displaced the previous year's favoured drug, ketamine. Testing for Erimin-5 was began in January 2004. There are people who still think Erimin-5 is not detectable. The truth is Nimetazepam is classified under the benzodiazepine family and when an accuse is tested positive from the Instant urine test for benzodiazepines , the urine sample will be taken to the Health Science Authority for the analysis for the chemical . In the streets an Erimin-5 tablet costs between S$6 (RM13.80) and S$8 (RM18.40), while 1g of ketamine costs between S$40 (RM92) and S$50 (RM115). Unlike so-called “party drugs” like Ecstasy and ketamine, Erimin-5 is a depressant and seen as a “soft” drug. It can also be obtained easily compared to other drugs In Singapore Erimin is Scheduled under the Misuse of drug act ( Chapter 185 )It is scheduled under class A which carries a Mandatory Jail therm. A trafficker can face up to a maximum of 10 years in prison and 5 Strokes of the cane. As for illegal possession or consumption of Nimetazepam a person can face up to 10 years of imprisonment or S$20,000 fine or both.
Written by:Daniel Lim