NATIONAL ECSTASY BUSTS REFLECT DRUG'S INCREASE

By The Numbers

State narcotics records show a 20 percent increase in the number of
Ecstasy pills seized in 2003 compared to 2002. The numbers include
only those in cases initiated by or assisted by state agents. The
statistics:

2003: 1,037 doses

2002: 832 doses

- - MISSISSIPPI BUREAU

About ecstasy

Ecstasy, a stimulant also known as MDMA, is an illegal drug primarily
produced overseas and smuggled into the United States. However,
federal agents seized 17 clandestine labs in the United States in
2001, compared to 7 seized in 2000. About the drug:

When taken at raves, where all-night dancing usually occurs, the drug
often leads to severe dehydration and heatstroke.

Ecstasy may cause hyperthermia, muscle breakdown, seizures, stroke,
kidney and cardiovascular system failure, possible permanent damage to
sections of brain critical to thought and memory, and death.

- - DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION

News of a U.S.-Canadian smuggling operation involving ecstasy is
raising concerns in South Mississippi, where narcotics agents report
they're finding an increasing number of the illegal tablets.

More than 30 people in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Mobile are among
those indicted in a major smuggling operation that federal officials
claim has distributed millions of tablets around the nation.

South Mississippi hasn't experienced large-scale problems with the
"raves" or all-night dance parties commonly associated with the
dangerous stimulant. However, narcotics agents say they're seeing more
tablets on the street than ever before.

Officials with the Coastal Narcotics Enforcement Team, or CNET, said
agents recently seized a couple of hundred tablets in Harrison County.
Biloxi narcotics officials reported finding 150 tablets this week.

The number of tablets seized statewide in 2002 rose from 832 to 1,037
doses in 2003, a 20 percent increase, according to state Bureau of
Narcotics reports.

"It's definitely here and it's definitely a problem," said Capt. Pat
Pope, CNET coordinator and Gulfport narcotics supervisor.

Ecstasy is not addictive, but its side effects are potentially deadly,
Pope said.

"It's one of the most dangerous drugs I've ever seen. In recent years,
we've had cases where people died from the side effects or suffered
permanent damages. Longtime use is associated with the symptoms of
Parkinson's disease, and it's irreversible."

The drug is made in clandestine labs with pill-pressing kits that
allow the makers to produce it in different designer shapes.

"It might look like a peace sign or Mickey Mouse," Pope said. "It
could have rat poison in it or animal feces for all you know."

Miller said he has seen tablets that are actually methamphetamine, or
half MDMA, or up to 80 percent caffeine. Regardless of the
ingredients, the average street price is about $25.

Pope and Miller both said they believe South Mississippi is not seeing
large-scale rave parties because of intense undercover efforts. Raves
are advertised on the Internet, through word of mouth, or by fliers
distributed at youth-oriented businesses.

"When we find out that a suspicious dance is planned, we go," Pope said.