Other Dangerous Drugs

National Drug Intelligence Center
Ohio Drug Threat Assessment Update
July 2002

The distribution and abuse of other dangerous drugs such as MDMA, GHB, ketamine, PCP, and LSD pose an increasing threat, particularly to the state's teenagers and young adults. The diversion and abuse of pharmaceuticals also are serious and growing concerns in the state.

MDMA

The availability and abuse of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) are increasing in Ohio, primarily in areas near colleges and universities. Most of the MDMA available in the state is transported into Ohio from Chicago and New York City by local independent dealers who generally use package delivery services. MDMA is sold to teenagers and young adults at raves and dance clubs for $15 to $25 per tablet. However, in October 2001 the OSAM Network indicated that MDMA distribution and abuse are increasingly occurring at such locations as homes, small parties or gatherings, high schools, college campuses, and anywhere else young people congregate.

MDMA

MDMA, also known as ecstasy, Adam, XTC, E, and X, is a stimulant and low-level hallucinogen. Sometimes called the hug drug, MDMA purportedly helps abusers to be more "in touch" with others and "opens channels of communication." However, abuse of the drug can cause psychological problems similar to those associated with methamphetamine and cocaine abuse including confusion, depression, sleeplessness, anxiety, and paranoia. The physical effects can include muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, blurred vision, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. MDMA abuse also can cause a marked increase in body temperature leading to muscle breakdown, kidney failure, cardiovascular system failure, stroke, or seizure as reported in some fatal cases. Research suggests that MDMA abuse may result in long-term and sometimes permanent damage to parts of the brain that are critical to thought and memory.

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GHB and Analogs

The availability and abuse of GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) and its analogs--GBL, BD, GHV, and GVL--also are increasing in Ohio.

dihydrofuranone

GHB Analogs
Analog	Chemical/Alternative Name
GBL	gamma-butyrolactone
	furanone di-hydro

BD	1,4 butanediol
	tetramethylene glycol
	sucol-B
	butylene glycol
GVL	gamma-valerolactone
GVL	4-pentanolide
GHV	gamma-hydroxyvalerate
GHV	methyl-GHB

GHB analogs are drugs that possess chemical structures that closely resemble GHB, a central nervous system depressant. GHB and its analogs are also known as liquid ecstasy, soap, scoop, Georgia homeboy, grievous bodily harm, liquid X, and goop. At lower doses they cause drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and visual disturbances. At higher doses, unconsciousness, seizure, severe respiratory depression, and coma can occur. Because of their sedative properties, GHB and its analogs also have been used to facilitate sexual assaults throughout the nation.

GHB generally is produced outside Ohio and transported into the state by local independent dealers. GHB analogs are available at disreputable health food stores, gyms, and via the internet. GHB and its analogs are typically sold to high school and college students at raves and dance clubs for $5 to $20 per dose.

Ketamine

The ketamine available in Ohio is smuggled into the state from Mexico or is stolen from veterinary offices. Ketamine is an injectable veterinary anesthetic that, when taken by humans in large doses, causes reactions similar to those associated with PCP. Local independent dealers are the primary distributors of ketamine in Ohio. The drug usually is sold at raves and dance clubs in liquid and powder forms for approximately $60 per dose.

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PCP

The hallucinogen PCP (phencyclidine) is becoming increasingly available in Ohio. The drug generally is produced in California and transported primarily via package delivery services and private vehicles into Ohio. For example, in December 2001 the Northeast Ohio Parcel Interdiction Team seized over 11 quarts of PCP that were being shipped via a package delivery service from Los Angeles to a criminal group in Cleveland for distribution within the state. PCP is distributed by street gangs and local independent dealers. PCP abusers often display unpredictable and violent behavior that may present a danger to law enforcement officials and others. PCP commonly is smoked in cigarettes and marijuana joints that have been dipped in the liquid form of the drug. One PCP-laced cigarette or joint sells for $15 at the retail level.

LSD

The hallucinogen LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is available in some urban areas of Ohio. It is transported from California primarily via package delivery services, and distributed at the retail level by local independent dealers for $1 to $4 per dose. LSD often is applied to blotter paper and candy or disguised as breath freshener drops.

Diverted Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals are diverted, distributed, and abused in Ohio; however, the threat posed by diverted pharmaceuticals is less than that of other illicit drugs. Diverted pharmaceuticals that are commonly abused include OxyContin, Valium, Vicodin, and Xanax. They generally are acquired by abusers and distributors through forged or stolen prescriptions, "doctor shopping"--visiting numerous physicians to obtain drugs in excess of what should be legitimately prescribed--and theft from pharmacies.

OxyContin, a powerful opiate-based pain relief medication, is the most prevalent diverted pharmaceutical in the state. OxyContin is designed to be swallowed whole for controlled-release dosing; however, abusers often chew the tablets or crush them into a powder, which they snort or mix with water and inject. This eliminates the controlled-release property of the drug and causes heroin-like effects that may last up to 12 hours.

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