Karujo

Karujo is a highly addictive psychoactive substance derived from the sap of the Avekra bloom, a flowering plant native to the highlands of Helmand. The drug is renowned for its potent euphoric and sedative effects, which have made it both a coveted recreational drug and a key component of the global illicit drug trade.
=== Botanical Source ===
The Avekra bloom (Avekra helmandica) is a hardy, perennial plant that thrives in arid, mountainous regions. Characterized by its vibrant orange flowers and broad, silver-green leaves, it secretes a milky sap rich in psychoactive alkaloids. Harvesting involves scoring the plant’s seed pods to extract the sap, which is then processed into various forms of karujo.
=== Production and Trade ===
Helmand dominates the global production of karujo, owing to its ideal climate and the cultural knowledge of processing the drug. Local producers refine the sap into a sticky resin or powder, which is then trafficked internationally through a network of organized crime syndicates and warlords. Despite international efforts to curb production, karujo remains a lucrative export, funding both local economies and ongoing regional conflicts.
=== Effects and Usage ===
Karujo induces a profound sense of euphoria and tranquility, often described as a numbing escape from reality. However, prolonged use leads to severe dependency, with symptoms including physical withdrawal, cognitive impairment, and respiratory depression. Medical applications of karujo in its purified form exist but are rare due to its high potential for abuse.
=== Legality and Control ===
In most nations, karujo is classified as an illegal substance, with penalties for its production, trafficking, and possession. Nevertheless, the drug’s high demand continues to fuel a thriving black market, making it a focal point of international anti-narcotics efforts.