Other Dangerous Drugs

National Drug Intelligence Center
North Dakota Drug Threat Assessment
May 2002

Other dangerous drugs, including club drugs, hallucinogens, and diverted pharmaceuticals, appeal to a small segment of the population of North Dakota. Abuse of club drugs and hallucinogens occurs primarily in urban areas and is concentrated on high school and college campuses. Caucasian independent dealers are the primary transporters and distributors of club drugs and hallucinogens into and throughout North Dakota. The diversion and abuse of pharmaceuticals pose a growing threat to North Dakota.

Club Drugs

The club drug category includes stimulants such as MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymetham-phetamine) and depressants such as GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) and ketamine.

Club drugs are often distributed at raves, which occur on a limited basis in North Dakota. Most recent reporting indicates that raves are being held "underground." Rave promoters are primarily using the Internet to advertise these all-night dances. These events typically occur in rural areas inside carnival tents. Due to the harsh North Dakota climate, raves are seasonal, according to officers from the Cass County Sheriff's Office.

Raves

Throughout the 1990s high energy, all-night dances known as raves, which featured hard-pounding techno-music and flashing laser lights, increased in popularity among teens and young adults. Raves can be held either at permanent dance clubs or at temporary week-end event sites set up in abandoned ware-houses, open fields, empty buildings, or civic centers. Club drugs, particularly MDMA, are often sold at raves and dance clubs. Rave managers often sell water, pacifiers, and glow sticks at rave parties. "Ravers" require water to offset dehydration caused by MDMA, use pacifiers to prevent the grinding of teeth (a common side effect of using MDMA), and wave glow sticks in front of their eyes because MDMA stimulates light perception.

MDMA is a synthetic drug that acts simultaneously as a stimulant and mild hallucinogen. The drug has a slightly sweet scent and is usually ingested in tablet, powder, or capsule form. Other names for MDMA include ecstasy, Adam, X, E, XTC, and empathy. Users risk exhaustion from a combination of the drug's effects and the physical exertion of all-night dancing. The National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates that long-term use of MDMA causes significant, irreparable damage to the brain.

Statistics document an increase in the use of MDMA and other club drugs throughout the nation, and this trend has reached North Dakota. According to officials from the BCI, MDMA abuse is increasing slowly throughout the state. Mandan Police Department officers report that MDMA abuse is limited but increasing in their jurisdiction. According to officers from the North Dakota BCI and the Metro Area Narcotics Task Force, abuse in their jurisdictions occurs primarily among high school and college age students.

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MDMA availability is increasing, primarily in North Dakota's urban areas. In September 2001 officials from the North Dakota BCI reported three MDMA seizures--of 20, 30, and 150 tablets, respectively. Officers from the Red River and Grand Forks Drug Task Forces report that MDMA availability is increasing, primarily in Fargo and Grand Forks, both college towns. Cass County Sheriff's Department officers note that MDMA is available in their jurisdiction, and they are seizing larger quantities of the drug than previously. Mandan Police Department and Burke County Sheriff's Department officers report that MDMA is available, primarily on college campuses.

There is no evidence that MDMA is produced in North Dakota. However, Canadian authorities seized record shipments of MDMA during 2000. Officials from the DEA Fargo Resident Office report that MDMA is transported from Canada to Grand Forks for retail distribution. Officers from the Burke County Sheriff's Department report that Caucasian males transport MDMA, primarily user quantities, from Canada by private vehicle to their jurisdiction.

High school and college age Caucasian males are the primary transporters and distributors of MDMA in North Dakota. Officials from the North Dakota BCI report that Minneapolis and Denver are sources of supply for MDMA. According to Metro Area Narcotics Task Force officers, some high school and college students pool their money, travel to Denver or Minneapolis to purchase MDMA, and transport it back to their high schools or colleges for retail distribution. Officials from the Cass County Sheriff's Department report that "hip-hop" groups and Caucasian dealers are the primary MDMA retail distributors. These officials also report that the retail distribution process involves three-person teams--the first person distributes the product, the second person collects the money, and the third person waits outside the club as a lookout. If law enforcement authorities challenge the lookout, his job is to "take the fall" and allow the other two members to escape. The team communicates through two-way radios and hand signals.

Hip-Hop Groups

Hip-hop groups are composed of individuals ages 15 to 24, primarily from Canada, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Illinois, who have an unkempt appearance and dress in a grunge style, which typically includes dirty, baggy clothing with rope belts. Group members illegally "hop" trains in order to make it to the next rave. They primarily distribute MDMA and, to a lesser extent, marijuana and methamphetamine. Hip-hop groups touring North Dakota and some of the state's high school students are now using heavy water--cigarettes that are immersed in embalming fluid and then smoked. Individuals who use heavy water are often disruptive and sometimes violent.

Source: Cass County Sheriff's Department.

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GHB, also known as liquid ecstasy, soap, easy lay, Georgia homeboy, scoop, grievous bodily harm, liquid X, and goop, is a central nervous system depressant banned by the Food and Drug Administration in 1990. Originally sold in health food stores, GHB was marketed as a releasing agent for hormones that stimulate muscle growth. In recent years, it has become popular among young adults who attend raves. It also may be used to facilitate sexual assaults. It is odorless, tasteless, and virtually undetectable if added to a drink. Medical and law enforcement experts state that victims can lose consciousness within 20 minutes of ingesting GHB and often have no memory of events following ingestion. The drug inhibits the victim's ability to remember what occurred while under the influence of the drug. It is difficult to trace because it is usually eliminated from the body within 24 hours. At lower doses GHB causes drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and visual disturbances. At higher doses unconsciousness, seizure, severe respiratory depression, and coma can occur.

GBL (gamma-butyrolactone), a chemical often used in industrial cleaners, is closely related to GHB. When ingested, GBL metabolizes into GHB. GBL is sold as a dietary supplement and marketed under a variety of exaggerated health claims, ranging from the treatment of insomnia to the reversal of baldness.

GHB availability and abuse are increasing, primarily in North Dakota's urban areas. Officers from the Mandan Police Department report that GHB abuse is currently low but is increasing in their jurisdiction. According to Cass County Sheriff's Department officers, GHB is available in their area, and they are seizing larger quantities.

There is no evidence of violent activity due to GHB abuse or retail distribution in North Dakota. Nevertheless, GHB has been used to facilitate sexual assaults in other states, and the potential exists for similar offenses to occur in North Dakota.

There is no evidence that GHB is produced in North Dakota. However, recipes for GHB are readily available via the Internet.

Caucasian males are the primary transporters and distributors of GHB in North Dakota. Officials from the Cass County Sheriff's Department report that the individuals who distribute MDMA use three-person teams to distribute GHB at the retail level.

Ketamine is an emerging threat to North Dakota. Officials from the North Dakota BCI report that ketamine was stolen in a number of veterinary clinic burglaries. Officials from the BCI further report that typically one or two clinics are burgled each year; however, more than 12 clinics were burgled in the first 10 months of 2001. Caucasian males are the primary distributors and abusers of ketamine in North Dakota.

Ketamine, also known as K, special K, and cat valium, is a dissociative general anesthetic for human and veterinary use. Ketamine liquid can be injected, applied to smokable material, or consumed in drinks. A powdered form is made by allowing the solvent to evaporate; the resulting white powder, once pulverized, looks very similar to cocaine. The powder can be put in drinks, smoked, or injected. Ketamine use approximates the physical effects of PCP (phencyclidine) and the visual effects of LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide). Users report a preference for ketamine over PCP or LSD because the ketamine trip lasts up to an hour. Use of the drug can cause delirium, amnesia, depression, long-term memory and cognitive difficulties, as well as fatal respiratory problems.

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Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens available in North Dakota include LSD and psilocybin. The popularity of hallucinogens appears to have increased, and many agencies attribute the resurgence to the growing appeal of raves and dance clubs. Independent producers and suppliers are the primary sources of hallucinogens in North Dakota. Like club drugs, hallucinogens are distributed and used primarily by Caucasian young adults.

LSD, also known as acid, boomers, and yellow sunshines, is a powerful synthetic hallucinogen. The potency of the LSD available today (20 to 80 micrograms) is considerably lower than the levels of the 1960s and 1970s (100 to 300 micro-grams). Production is time-consuming and complex, requiring some degree of expertise in chemistry. The primary precursor chemicals are either ergotamine tartrate or lysergic acid amide, both controlled by federal regulation. The effects of LSD are unpredictable and often depend on the dosage; the environment in which it is used; and the personality, mood, and expectations of the user. Users feel the effects within 30 to 90 minutes. The physical effects include dilated pupils; sweating; loss of appetite; sleeplessness; dry mouth; tremors; and increased heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure. LSD users report body numbness, weakness, trembling, and nausea. LSD typically is taken by mouth and is sold in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms as well as on pieces of paper (blotters) that have absorbed the drug.

North Dakota officials report an increase in LSD abuse among young adults, primarily due to its ready availability, affordable cost, and ease of concealment. Bismarck Police Department officers report that LSD abuse is increasing in their jurisdiction. Officers from the Metro Area Narcotics Task Force report that LSD abuse occurs primarily among high school and college age students. Dickinson Police Department officers also report an increase in LSD abuse. Officers have apprehended teenagers carrying small breath mint dispensers containing LSD. The teenagers dab their tongues with the dispenser when they want a "hit."

The availability of LSD is increasing, primarily in urban areas of North Dakota. Typically, LSD is produced in blotter paper form in laboratories in the San Francisco and Denver areas. LSD/hallucinogen seizures by the North Dakota BCI increased from 452 dosage units in 1994 to a record 5,280 units in 1995. In the years that followed, total seizure amounts fluctuated from 393 in 1996, 83 in 1997, 2,182 in 1998, 988 in 1999, to 281 in 2000. In addition, 150 grams of LSD/hallucinogens were seized in 1999 and 1 additional gram was seized in 2000 by the BCI. Officials from the Cass County Sheriff's Department report that LSD is available in their jurisdiction and that larger quantities are being seized. In Cass County prices range from $5 to $10 per dosage unit. According to Bismarck Police Department officers, in their jurisdiction LSD is available as a liquid and on sugar cubes.

Caucasian males are the primary transporters and distributors of LSD in North Dakota. Officials from the Cass County Sheriff's Department report that the same individuals who distribute MDMA and GHB distribute LSD, typically using three-person teams to conduct the sale. Metro Area Narcotics Task Force officers report that high school and college age students pool their resources, travel to distribution centers in Denver or Minneapolis to purchase LSD, and transport the drug to their schools or colleges. Stutsman County Task Force officers report that college students transport LSD from Montana into North Dakota.

Psilocybin is the active ingredient in some species of mushrooms frequently referred to as magic mushrooms or psychedelic mushrooms; potency varies widely. Independent growers cultivate mushrooms indoors and harvest those that grow wild. Doses normally range from 20 to 60 milligrams, and the effects generally last 5 to 6 hours.

Psilocybin availability is increasing in certain areas of North Dakota. Metro Area Narcotics Task Force officers report that psilocybin seizures increased overall from 5 grams in 1998 to 38 grams in 2000. Caucasian males are the primary transporters and distributors of psilocybin in North Dakota. Officers from the Cass County and Grand Forks Sheriff's Departments report that psilocybin is available in their jurisdictions and that they are seizing larger quantities. According to officers from the Northwest Narcotics Task Force, psilocybin availability is increasing. A task force officer reports that psilocybin cultivation has been discovered in the closets of some methamphetamine dealers' residences.

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Diverted Pharmaceuticals

Diverted pharmaceuticals are becoming a threat to North Dakota residents. According to officers from the Mandan Police Department, diverted pharmaceutical abuse is an increasing problem. Grand Forks Sheriff's Department officers report that methamphetamine and cocaine abusers are increasingly abusing diverted pharmaceuticals. Officials from the Williston Police Department report that codeine is available for purchase over the counter in Canada, increasing its potential for abuse throughout the department's jurisdiction. Commonly diverted pharmaceuticals available throughout the state include Ritalin, OxyContin, Percocet, and Darvocet.

Ritalin acts as a stimulant and typically is prescribed for children diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Abusers often grind Ritalin into a powder and snort it like cocaine or dilute and inject it like heroin.

OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, and Tylox are trade names for the generic narcotic oxycodone hydrochloride. OxyContin in particular has a high abuse potential. Oxycodone is prescribed for relief of moderate to severe pain associated with dislocations and fractures and conditions such as bursitis, neuralgia, arthritis, lower back ailments, and cancer. It also is used postoperatively and after childbirth.

OxyContin abuse is increasing in North Dakota. The most common methods used to obtain the drug include prescription fraud and pharmacy burglary. Officers from the Bismarck Police Department and the Metro Area Narcotics Task Force report that OxyContin abuse is increasing throughout their jurisdictions. Officers from the Bismarck Police Department further report that abusers are writing fraudulent prescriptions, altering prescriptions, and even posing as doctors or nurses in order to obtain the drug.

Darvocet is a trade name for the generic narcotic propoxyphene hydrochloride. Propoxyphene is commonly prescribed for pain relief to people who have undergone surgery or who have serious injuries. Propoxyphene is a narcotic analgesic related to methadone and can be addictive. Common side effects associated with propoxyphene are drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, sedation, and vomiting. Symptoms of a propoxyphene overdose are a bluish tinge to the skin, convulsions, decreased or difficult breathing, decreased heart function, extreme sleepiness, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, pinpoint pupils, stupor, and coma.

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