The Variability of Ecstasy Tablets Composition in Brazil

Abstract

The content of ecstasy tablets has been changing over the years, and nowadays 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is not always present in the tablets. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition in the seized tablets labeled as ecstasy. We analyzed samples from 150 different seizures made by Sao Paulo's State Police by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. MDMA was present in 44.7% of the analyzed samples, and another twenty different active substances were identified in these tablets, such as caffeine, 2C-B, piperazines, amphetamines, phencyclidine, and others. Methamphetamine was present in 22% of these samples. The results demonstrate a huge shift in the pattern of trafficking of synthetic drugs, where MDMA has been replaced in tablets mostly by illicit psychoactive substances, in a clear attempt to bypass the law. The great variability in the tablets composition may lead to an increased risk of drug poisoning.

NBOMe Designer Drugs: GC-MS and LC-QTOF/MS Detection on Blotter Paper by Brazilian Federal Police (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil)

“…2C-B is a synthetic psychedelic drug that is structurally related to mescaline and was first synthesized in the mid-1970s 14 These designer drugs are commonly produced in clandestine laboratories and are often synthesized from chemicals of unknown origin 18 . The composition of these illicit preparations can vary significantly depending on the mode of synthesis, purification methods, source materials, and the presence of cutting agents and excipients used [20][21][22][23] .…”

Preliminary Detection of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in Synthetic Drugs Seizures in the Northeast Brazil in a Period of Two Years (2014–2016)

“…On the other hand, substances used in the past as anorexic drugs and produces stimulant effects, such as fenproporex and sibutramine, were detected in seized tablets, associated with ephedrine 13,14 …”

Avaliação da técnica de imunocromatografia para análise de drogas de abuso no contexto da química forense

“…A priori tal achado pode representar um ponto negativo para o teste em questão, porém, na verdade, representa uma alternativa para identificação de novas substâncias psicoativas. Atualmente, observa-se um aumento da presença de novas substâncias sintéticas presentes nos comprimidos de ecstasy no Brasil [25], acompanhando a tendência mundial [26][27]. Vale ressaltar que não existe um único teste de triagem capaz de detectar todas essas drogas sintéticas, sendo necessário o uso de vários reagentes colorimétricos para detectar esses diferentes estimulantes.…”