FOXY'S NEW POPULARITY SPARKS FEAR

No One Sure Of Drug's Long-Term Effects

There's nothing cute about the party drug Foxy, which is making its
way into mainstream society.

RCMP Sgt. Scott Rintoul of the Drug and Organized Crime Awareness
Section said yesterday that the drug, also known as Foxy Methoxy, is
being increasingly used by young partygoers.

Foxy, a hallucinogenic drug similar to psilocybin (found in "magic"
mushrooms), is illegal in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand, but not
in Canada.

The drug gives users a sense of euphoria and lessens their
inhibitions.

"It is not a new drug, but the concern we have right now is that we
are starting to see Foxy make its way into the mainstream," said Rintoul.

The drug is likely made in the province, he said.

"We suspect it is being made here in B.C. because it is not illegal to
possess it," said Rintoul.

Authorities worry that the drug may be a contributor to sexual
promiscuity and possible sexual assaults.

"A sexual predator who sees a person take Foxy may take advantage of
the person," he said.

Along with lowering inhibitions, Foxy can keep someone awake for days
and could have long-term effects, said Rintoul.

"The experts are saying the true effects of these types of drugs won't
be seen until 20 years later," he said.

With drugs like Foxy inducing a chemical change to the brain, one of
the suspected long-term problems could be depression.

"These synthetic drugs are relatively new and we don't know the
long-term effects," said Rintoul.

Foxy comes in a powder form, or in small colourful pills with graphics
such as an alien head and a bumblebee on them.

While some newer types of drugs are being sold at raves, Rintoul said
ecstasy, which is illegal and potentially deadly, is still one of the
most popular on the party circuit.