The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition, through the National Early Warning System (EWS) for new and emerging drug threats, is urging citizens and visitors to exercise extreme caution regarding the use of illicit substances. Illicit substances are substances that are manufactured, sold, processed or used illegally, or used in a manner not intended for legitimate medical purposes.
Recent intelligence has resulted in the Saint Lucia Forensic Science Laboratory testing and providing confirmation in country of 3,4 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, referred to as MDMA in brief. It is more commonly called molly, ecstasy or crystals. It is a controlled substance with known risks to human health. It is a recreational drug often used in social, night-life and party settings.
“The appearance varies depending on how it has been produced for use. It may be in a crystal, powder, capsule or tablet form. In tablet form, it is produced in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes, often having logos, symbols, or pictures,” the Ministry noted in a press release.
MDMA is a synthetically produced drug which has stimulant effects. As such, for someone using it, there will likely be feelings of intense euphoria (excitement and happiness), enhanced sensory perception (touch, smell and sight senses become more sensitive and intense), emotional, social and sexual openness. This often results in impulsive behaviour and poor self-regulation as individuals tend to act without normal thinking or control.
MDMA has varying health effects based on:
• the individual’s size, weight and health
• whether other drugs and alcohol are also taken around the same time
• whether the person is used to taking it
• the quantity and strength taken
• environment where the drug is taken (for example if the environment is hot due to overcrowding or being in an indoor space)
In the immediate or short term use of MDMA an individual may experience a more rapid heartbeat, increased body temperature, sweating, dehydration, blurred vision, seizures, muscle tension, jaw clenching, brain swelling, nausea and/or vomiting. It may also become as extreme as loss of consciousness, paranoia, out of character behavior. Globally, deaths have also been reported.
The long-term use of MDMA may include dependence, liver damage, depression, memory and concentration deterioration.
The risks to human health are higher when MDMA is mixed with alcohol, other stimulants, prescription medications or used in hot, crowded or enclosed environments.
If you or anyone you know feels unwell, collapses, or has difficulty breathing after taking MDMA, seek immediate emergency medical attention at the nearest hospital or community health facility.
The Ministry of Health encourages all stakeholders to share information through the established national Early Warning System network to ensure the protection of human health.