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News
Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2003
Contact: S/A David Jacobson
Safety
Advisory Regarding New Club Drug "Molly"
Detroit,
MI- Special Agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) working
with the Michigan State Police and local law enforcement agencies have
recently discovered the presence of a new club drug that is being sold
to high school and college age students at "Rave" parties throughout
the Detroit and Ann Arbor areas. This substance is known on the street
as "Molly", which is 1-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl) piperazine
(TFMPP).
This is an extremely
dangerous drug, which is clandestinely manufactured and marketed in "Rave
Clubs" as a more intense form of Ecstasy. This drug is an off-white
powder generally sold in a gelatin capsule. TFMPP and Benzylpiperazine
(BZP) were both given emergency controlled substance scheduling by the
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in September 2002. TFMPP was given
Schedule I status, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted
medical use. This drug first appeared on the West Coast of the United
States and these recent seizures in Michigan are the first indication
of its presence in the metropolitan Detroit area. TFMPP also goes by the
names "legal E", "legal X" or "A2". TFMPP
can cause increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature.
"Molly"
has properties similar to the stimulant effects of Ecstasy, but taken
in larger doses it promotes hallucinogenic reactions. This poses an even
greater risk to young adults who have taken Ecstasy previously and accidentally
overdose by trying to achieve the hallucinogenic effects. DEA is currently
conducting "Operation X-Out", which is a nationwide initiative
to increase education and enforcement operations involving club and predatory
drugs. Drug distributors have invaded the Internet with misinformation
regarding the dangers of club and "date rape" drugs that are
marketed toward young people. Effective information campaigns are essential
to inform young Americans about club drugs such as GHB, Ecstasy, Ketamine
and TFMPP, which are promoted by individuals who disguise their deadly
effects.
"This is another
example of individuals exploiting our young people with dangerous mixtures
of chemicals that have the potential for deadly consequences. The DEA
working closely with state and local law enforcement agencies, will do
everything in our power to protect our children," said Michael A.
Braun, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Detroit Field Division.
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For
more information on club and predatory
drugs visit the DEA (313) 234-4220 website at www.dea.gov
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