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National Drug Intelligence Center Minnesota Drug Threat Assessment Update June 2002 Other Dangerous DrugsOther dangerous drugs such as MDMA, GHB, and LSD pose an increasing threat. These drugs typically are distributed to teenagers and young adults by Caucasian independent dealers at raves and dance clubs. The diversion and abuse of pharmaceuticals, particularly OxyContin, are also concerns for the state's law enforcement and healthcare professionals.
MDMAThe availability and abuse of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) are increasing in Minnesota, primarily in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. The drug primarily is distributed at raves and dance clubs for $15 to $30 per tablet, according to state and local law enforcement.
GHBThe availability and abuse of GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) are increasing in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. The drug typically is distributed to young adults at raves and dance clubs and sells for $10 per dose, according to state and local law enforcement officials. GHB, also known as liquid ecstasy, Georgia homeboy, grievous bodily harm, liquid X, and goop, is a central nervous system depressant that was banned by the Food and Drug Administration in 1990. It is odorless, tasteless, and virtually undetectable if added to a drink. An individual can lose consciousness within 20 minutes of ingesting GHB and often has no memory of events following ingestion. It is difficult to trace, usually leaving the body within 12 hours. Because of these properties, GHB has been used to commit drug-facilitated sexual assault.
LSDThe hallucinogen LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), also known as acid, boomer, and yellow sunshine, is a hallucinogen that induces abnormalities in sensory perceptions. It is available in some areas of the state, and is transported from California and distributed at the retail level by independent dealers. According to DEA, LSD sold for $2 to $5 per dose in the first quarter of FY2002. LSD typically is taken orally, and is applied to blotter paper and candy or disguised as breath freshener drops. The effects of LSD are unpredictable depending upon the amount taken, the environment in which it is abused, and the abuser's personality, mood, and expectations. Two long-term disorders associated with LSD are persistent psychosis and hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (flashbacks).
Diverted PharmaceuticalsPharmaceuticals are diverted, distributed, and abused in Minnesota; however, the threat posed by diverted pharmaceuticals is less than that of illicit drugs. Commonly abused pharmaceuticals include OxyContin, Valium, Vicodin, and Xanax. Pharmaceuticals generally are acquired by abusers and distributors through forged or stolen prescriptions, doctor shopping--visiting numerous physicians to obtain multiple prescriptions--and theft from pharmacies and nursing homes. OxyContin, a powerful opiate-based pain relief medication, is the most prevalent diverted pharmaceutical in the state. OxyContin, which has heroin-like effects that last up to 12 hours, is designed to be swallowed whole for controlled-released dosing; however, abusers often chew the tablets or crush them into a powder, which eliminates the controlled-release properties. This results in more rapid absorption into the body when consumed orally, snorted, or mixed with water and injected.
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