CLUB DRUG YA BA A POTENT MIX OF METH, CAFFEINE

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The newest drug to hit California's underground club
scene is sweet, colorful -- and deadly.

The drug, a form of methamphetamine called ya ba, a Thai name meaning
"crazy drug," has made its way into raves and is said to be significantly
more powerful and dangerous than the current club drug of choice, Ecstasy.

The pills, which cost $10 to $20 apiece, are sometimes passed off as
Ecstasy, said Will Glaspy of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Ya ba can
keep users awake for days and has hallucinogenic effects, sometimes causing
users to believe they have bugs under their skin. The drug can be fatal,
and common side effects include increased heart rate, dehydration, paranoia
and depression.