Other Dangerous Drugs

Other dangerous drugs, which include club drugs such as GHB and GHB analogs, ketamine, and Rohypnol as well as hallucinogens such as LSD, PCP, and psilocybin, pose a relatively low threat in comparison with other illicit drugs.²⁰ The availability and use of other dangerous drugs overall appear to be stable; however, the increasing availability of some of these drugs--such as GHB, ketamine, and PCP--is raising concerns among law enforcement and drug treatment providers. Other dangerous drugs are present in every region of the country but are most prevalent in metropolitan areas, where they are used primarily by adolescents and young adults.

NDTS data show that just 1.1 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide identify other dangerous drugs as their greatest drug threat. Regionally, more state and local law enforcement agencies in the Mid-Atlantic (3.0%), Great Lakes (2.0%), New England (1.7%), and Florida/Caribbean regions (1.6%) identify other dangerous drugs as the greatest threat than do those in the Southeast (0.9%), West Central (0.5%), Pacific (0.2%), and Southwest regions (0.1%). The percentage of agencies in the New York/New Jersey region (0.0%) identifying other dangerous drugs as their greatest threat was negligible.

Club Drugs

The term club drugs refers to a collection of drugs that are commonly distributed and used at dance clubs and raves, including MDMA (see MDMA section), GHB and its analogs (see text box), ketamine, and Rohypnol. The threat associated with each club drug differs; however, the overall threat remained relatively stable over the past year.

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GHB

GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), as well as its analogs GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) and BD (1,4-butanediol), is available in every region of the country. Nearly every DEA Field Division and HIDTA reports that GHB is available, and while some report that availability has increased over the past year, the increases appear to be slight. Seldom is GHB reported as widely or readily available: less than half (17 of 42) of Pulse Check sources, for example, describe GHB as somewhat or widely available. Most reporting indicates that the availability of GHB is limited primarily to raves and dance clubs, although the drug also can be acquired at gyms, on college campuses, at private parties, and from the Internet, where it is sold under the guise of cleaning products and nail polish remover.

NDTS data show that 16.4 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide describe GHB availability as high or medium, while 50.8 percent indicate availability is low. Another 29.6 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide report that GHB is not available in their jurisdictions.

Many national-level drug abuse indicators do not measure GHB use or the consequences of that use; however, at least two indicators do show general downward trends. MTF data for 2001 and 2002 show that past year use of GHB was reported by 1.1 and 0.8 percent of eighth graders, 1.0 and 1.4 percent of tenth graders, and 1.6 and 1.5 percent of twelfth graders. Also, according to DAWN, there was a decline between 2000 and 2001 in the estimated number of GHB-related ED mentions from 4,969 to 3,340 (DAWN includes the analog GBL in its GHB data). DAWN data further show that patients aged 20-25 accounted for more than half of GHB ED mentions in 2001. DEA estimates that there had been approximately 72 deaths associated with GHB in the United States by the end of 2001. TEDS does not monitor treatment admissions for GHB as a primary substance of abuse.

GHB is produced illegally in both domestic and foreign clandestine laboratories. Law enforcement agencies in every region of the country report that GHB is produced in their areas, typically by Caucasian independent operators and typically in small amounts. GHB has, at times, been produced in quantities large enough for national-level distribution, however. According to NCLSS data, 20 GHB laboratories were seized in 2000, 12 of which were seized by DEA. In 2001, 13 GHB laboratories were seized.

Law enforcement reporting indicates that GHB is produced illegally in Europe and in Canada and then transported to the United States. GHB produced in Europe is smuggled most often via mail services, while GHB produced in Canada is smuggled into the United States via private vehicles. Within the United States, GHB typically is transported from domestic production areas via mail services and from POEs in private vehicles. Male Caucasian independent dealers are the primary distributors of GHB; however, African American gangs and other diverse independent dealers are increasingly active in GHB distribution.

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Ketamine

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has a combination of stimulant, depressant, hallucinogenic, and analgesic properties. It generally is used as a preoperative veterinary anesthetic.

Reporting from law enforcement and public health agencies indicates that the availability of ketamine may be increasing slightly. Most DEA Field Divisions report that ketamine is available in their areas, and several indicate that availability is increasing. While only 12 of 42 sources in Pulse Check sites describe ketamine as somewhat or widely available, availability was reported as increasing in six Pulse Check sites. Notwithstanding the reports of increased availability, STRIDE data show that only 3,185 dosage units of ketamine were seized in 2000 compared with 111,478 dosage units in 2001.

NDTS data show that 10.7 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide identify ketamine availability as high or medium, while 49.5 percent indicate availability is low. Another 36.5 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide report that ketamine is not available in their jurisdictions.

While many national-level drug abuse indicators do not measure ketamine use or the consequences of that use, at least two indicators do show some general upward trends. MTF data indicate that between 2001 and 2002 past year use of ketamine held steady for eighth graders at 1.3 percent and rose--although not significantly--for tenth (2.1% to 2.2%) and twelfth graders (2.5% to 2.6%). In addition, DAWN data show an increase in the consequences of ketamine use. The estimated number of DAWN ED mentions for ketamine increased from 263 in 2000 to 679 in 2001.

Ketamine is produced commercially in the United States and in a number of other countries including Belgium, China, Colombia, Germany, and Mexico. Ketamine production is a complex and time-intensive process, making clandestine production impractical. For this reason, the vast majority of ketamine distributed in the United States is diverted or stolen from legitimate sources, particularly veterinary clinics.

Ketamine powder and capsules typically are distributed among friends and acquaintances, often at private gatherings, raves, and dance clubs. Street sales of ketamine are rare. DEA reports that personal-use quantities of powder ketamine (100 mg to 200 mg) are packaged in small glass vials and small plastic bags as well as in paper, glassine, or aluminum foil folds. These user quantities sell for approximately $20 each. Liquid ketamine is distributed in small glass vials and bottles that sell for approximately $100 per 10-milliliter container.

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Rohypnol

Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) is a powerful benzodiazepine sedative--up to 10 times stronger than Valium. Although not approved for use in the United States, Rohypnol is prescribed legally in more than 70 countries to treat sleep disorders or for use as a preanesthetic medication.

Overall, the availability of Rohypnol appears to be stable at low levels, and Rohypnol is the least available of the club drugs. DEA Field Divisions and HIDTAs typically do not report on Rohypnol availability; however, the Rocky Mountain and South Texas HIDTAs reported increases in the availability of Rohypnol in their areas. According to STRIDE data, the number of Rohypnol dosage units seized declined dramatically between 2000 (4,967) and 2001 (691).

NDTS data show that 5.7 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide identify Rohypnol availability as high or medium, while 47.4 percent indicate availability is low. Another 42.8 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide report that Rohypnol is not available in their jurisdictions.

The use of Rohypnol is also at low levels, particularly when compared with the use of other club drugs. According to MTF, past year use of Rohypnol was relatively stable at low levels between 2001 and 2002 for eighth (0.7% to 0.3%) and tenth graders (1.0% to 0.7%). Past year use for twelfth graders is reported at 0.9 percent in 2001 and 1.6 percent for 2002; however, the MTF study indicates that data for twelfth-grade use of Rohypnol are not comparable between these years because of changes in questionnaire forms.

Rohypnol is commercially produced in several countries. Mexico is the primary source for Rohypnol in the United States, although some is smuggled into the country from Colombia. Rohypnol often is diverted from pharmacies in Mexico, particularly those in Tijuana, and smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border via private vehicle and, to a lesser extent, mail services. Rohypnol from Colombia typically is transported to southern Florida via overnight mail services and couriers on commercial flights. Once in the United States, the drug is distributed primarily at raves, dance clubs, and bars.

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Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens include LSD, PCP, and psilocybin--drugs that may distort light, sound, color, time, and perception and that sometimes induce powerful false images. Hallucinogens constitute a moderate to low threat overall because of their limited availability, which is concentrated primarily in metropolitan areas. Although law enforcement reporting indicated increased availability of hallucinogens at raves in 2000 and 2001, there has not been a corresponding increase in hallucinogen use nationally.

LSD

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is available throughout the United States and its availability appears to be relatively stable. Most DEA Field Divisions and HIDTAs report that the availability of LSD is stable or increasing in their areas. CEWG reporting also indicates that LSD is present in most metropolitan areas: sources in 19 of 21 CEWG areas report that LSD is available. Despite reports of widespread and stable availability, STRIDE data show that LSD seizures decreased sharply from 24,460,970 dosage units in 2000 to 93,974 dosage units in 2001.

NDTS data show that 20.9 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide describe LSD availability as high or medium, while 57.1 percent indicate availability is low. Slightly less than 20 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide report that LSD is not available in their jurisdictions.

LSD use appears to be trending downward among both younger and older adults. NHSDA data indicate that between 2000 and 2001 past year use of LSD was reported by 3.4 and 3.3 percent, respectively, of those aged 18-25 and held steady among those aged 26 and older at 0.1 percent. MTF data appear to indicate a similar downward trend among young adults, although changes between 2000 and 2001 are not statistically significant. Past year use of LSD among MTF respondents aged 19-28 was 3.7 percent in 2000 and 3.4 percent in 2001.

LSD use also appears to be declining among adolescents. NHSDA data indicate that past year LSD use among those aged 12-17 was 2.2 percent in 2000 and 1.9 percent in 2001. According to MTF, past year use of LSD decreased significantly between 2001 and 2002 for eighth (2.2% to 1.5%), tenth (4.1% to 2.6%), and twelfth graders (6.6% to 3.5%). Data from PATS show a decrease as well in the rate of lifetime LSD use among teens from 12 percent in 2000 to 10 percent in 2001.

The consequences of LSD use have decreased as well. DAWN data show that the estimated number of ED mentions for LSD declined from 4,016 in 2000 to 2,821 in 2001. ED mentions for patients aged 18-25 in particular decreased significantly during that period, dropping 37.5 percent.

DEA reports that LSD production is complex and, for the most part, controlled by a small number of experienced chemists in the San Francisco Bay Area and in the Pacific Northwest. Seizures of LSD laboratories are very infrequent. According to NCLSS data, one possible LSD laboratory was seized in 1998 and one in 2000. No LSD laboratories were seized in 1999, in 2001, or in the first 6 months of 2002.

Those few who control LSD production also control wholesale distribution of the drug, supplying trusted midlevel distributors throughout the country. According to law enforcement reporting, LSD usually is transported from California to midlevel distributors via mail services and private vehicles. Caucasian independent dealers conduct most retail distribution of LSD, although some gangs and other independent dealers distribute LSD at the retail level as well. Law enforcement reporting indicates that the most common venues for retail LSD distribution are raves, dance clubs, and concerts.

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PCP

PCP (phencyclidine) is available in every region of the United States, but for the most part, availability is limited to large metropolitan areas. More than half (14 of 21) of CEWG areas, less than half (9 of 21) of the DEA Field Divisions, and less than half (9 of 32) of the HIDTAs report the availability of PCP in any significant amounts. Of those, only sources in Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and Philadelphia report that availability is increasing. STRIDE data show that the number of PCP dosage units seized has increased sharply from 52,055 in 1999, to 184,938 in 2000, to 1,037,574 in 2001.

NDTS data show that 6.5 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide identify PCP availability as high or medium, while 50.7 percent indicate availability is low. Another 39.5 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide report that PCP is not available in their jurisdictions.

The rate of PCP use is very low but may be rising among young adults. NHSDA data show that past year use of PCP among young adults aged 18-25 was 0.3 and 0.4 percent in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Among adults aged 26 and older NHSDA data show virtually no measurable past year PCP use (0.0%) in both years. MTF data indicate a very low rate of past year PCP use for young adults aged 19-28 as well, and the rate was statistically unchanged from 2000 to 2001 (0.3% to 0.6%).

The level of PCP use among adolescents is also low and may be declining. NHSDA data indicate that past year PCP use among those aged 12-17 held steady between 2000 and 2001 at 0.5 percent. According to MTF data, however, past year use of PCP for twelfth graders--the only group for which data are available--declined from 1.8 percent in 2001 to 1.1 percent in 2002, the lowest rate recorded in the last 12 years.

Despite the very low rates of PCP use, the consequences of that use have been increasing. DAWN data show an increase in the estimated number of ED mentions for PCP from 1999 (3,663), to 2000 (5,404), to 2001 (6,102). Moreover, CEWG reports that admissions to publicly funded treatment facilities for PCP use--while low--have increased, particularly in Los Angeles, Newark, and Texas.

According to DEA, African American gangs produce most of the PCP available in the United States in clandestine laboratories primarily in the Los Angeles area. State and local law enforcement agencies also report PCP production in the Gary, Indiana, and Buffalo, New York, areas. NCLSS data show that few PCP laboratories have been seized over the past several years: five PCP laboratories were seized in 1998 and 1999; four were seized in 2000 and 2001.

The African American gangs responsible for most production of PCP also control most wholesale distribution of the drug. PCP usually is transported from production sites to midlevel distributors via private vehicles and mail services. African American gangs control most retail distribution of PCP as well, distributing in markets such as Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

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Psilocybin

The availability of psilocybin mushrooms is limited to certain areas in the United States, primarily in the western and central United States. Of the DEA Field Divisions, only those in Boston and Denver reported psilocybin availability. Only seven HIDTAs reported psilocybin availability: the Northern California, Northwest, Oregon, and Rocky Mountain HIDTAs report the availability of significant amounts of psilocybin, while the Milwaukee, New England, and New Mexico HIDTAs report that the drug is available but not in significant amounts. State and local law enforcement reporting further indicates that psilocybin mushrooms are encountered frequently in Alaska.

NDTS data show that 17.2 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide identify psilocybin availability as high or medium, while 52.0 percent indicate availability is low. Another 27.8 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide report that psilocybin is not available in their jurisdictions.

Most national-level drug prevalence and consequence studies do not measure psilocybin use. The NHSDA tracks lifetime use of psilocybin; however, data for reported age groups are mixed. Lifetime psilocybin use among young adults (18-25) declined from 11.4 percent in 1999 to 11.0 percent in 2000. Among adults 26 and older lifetime use trended upward from 6.0 percent to 6.3 percent over the same period. Similarly, among adolescents (12-17) lifetime use trended upward slightly between 1999 and 2000 (2.5% to 2.6%).

Law enforcement reporting indicates that psilocybin mushrooms are cultivated most frequently by independent growers in the Pacific region, particularly in Oregon and Washington, but agencies in California, Colorado, Maine, New Mexico, North Carolina, and South Dakota report psilocybin mushroom cultivation in their areas as well. Independent growers often cultivate psilocybin mushrooms indoors, increasingly from kits purchased via the Internet.

Most psilocybin mushrooms are transported from source areas to distributors in U.S. markets through mail services, in private vehicles and, occasionally, by couriers on commercial flights. Caucasian independent distributors conduct most retail psilocybin distribution, which occurs primarily in college areas.

End Note

20. The use of trademarked names such as Rohypnol in this assessment does not imply any criminal activity, criminal intent, or misdealing on the part of the companies that manufacture these drugs.

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