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The variability of ecstasy tablets composition in Brazil
Loraine R Togni1, Rafael Lanaro, Rodrigo R Resende
1Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry Laboratory, Criminalistic Institute of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05507-060, Brazil.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|August 16, 2014
Summary
Ecstasy tablets increasingly lack 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), containing other psychoactive substances instead. This shift in synthetic drug trafficking raises poisoning risks due to unpredictable tablet content.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Chemistry
- Toxicology
- Illicit Drug Analysis
Background:
- Ecstasy tablet composition has evolved, with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) no longer consistently present.
- Illicit drug manufacturers may be substituting MDMA to circumvent legal controls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the chemical composition of seized ecstasy tablets.
- To identify the prevalence of MDMA and other active substances in these tablets.
Main Methods:
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed for chemical analysis.
- Samples from 150 distinct seizures by Sao Paulo's State Police were analyzed.
Main Results:
- MDMA was detected in only 44.7% of the analyzed ecstasy tablets.
- Twenty other active substances were identified, including caffeine, 2C-B, piperazines, amphetamines, and phencyclidine.
- Methamphetamine was found in 22% of the samples.
Conclusions:
- A significant shift in synthetic drug trafficking patterns is evident, with MDMA being replaced by various illicit psychoactive substances.
- The high variability in tablet composition poses an increased risk of drug poisoning for users.
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