ECSTASY BRINGS NO PLEASURE TO AREA LAWMEN

Club drugs have found their way to Hopkinsville, but local law enforcement
authorities appear prepared to take the appropriate steps to keep the fad
from becoming a major problem. The most popular club drug to surface here
so far is "MDMA" or three, four-methylenedioxmethamphetamine, officials said.

It's also known by such nicknames as "XTC," "Love Drug," "Hug Drug,"
"Lover's Speed," and "Disco Biscuits."

But the most popular handle for "MDMA" among the club set is "Ecstasy."

Although police reports reveal few Ecstasy arrests in the region over the
past few years, the drug is believed to be circulating throughout the
western Kentucky area.

That's the word from Cheyenne Albro, director of the Pennyrile Narcotics
Task Force. Albro said he's convinced Ecstasy deserves the attention of
area lawmen fighting the war on drugs so that its potential impact can be
curbed.

Ecstasy emerged as the drug of choice at all-night dance clubs known as
"rave clubs" in some of the largest cities in the country several years ago.

"It's a stimulant, and it's a low-level hallucinogen. We would classify it
as what they call a designer drug (a synthetic drug produced to mimic
another drug)," Albro explained.

Albro said the regional drug force only recently began making some arrests
for possession of Ecstasy in the 10-county area, which includes Christian,
Caldwell, Todd, Trigg and Hopkins counties.

"We have seen it a little, off-and-on, over the period of the last two
years. About two years ago we (raided) a party in Muhlenberg County. We got
some Ecstasy there," he said. Since 2000, Albro estimated that the task
force has made about 10 to 15 arrests for Ecstasy possession.

"We have made some buys in Hopkins County, and we have received some
intelligence there," Albro noted.

Asked about any arrests made in Christian County, Albro would only say
there are some arrests "pending."

Club drugs like Ecstasy are used by party-goers to give them additional
energy and a loose-type feeling that promotes a sexual atmosphere,
officials said.

Ecstasy was commercially produced at first, mostly in Europe, to reduce
inhibitions in couples experiencing problems in their relationships.

"Several years ago it was marketed and used by doctors involved in marriage
counseling. It would help to lower inhibitions. They could talk
back-and-forth more," Albro explained.

Albro said it's possible to produce Ecstasy in an illegal drug laboratory,
but it's much harder to do when compared with methamphetamine. According to
Albro, it takes a person with a scientific background, particularly in
chemistry, to make Ecstasy tablets.

Users of Ecstasy list the recreational benefits of the drug as euphoria,
increased energy, sexual arousal and extreme tactical sensations. Some of
the short-term, negative effects are confusion, depression, sleep problems,
drug craving, severe anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations and amnesia.

In the United States, Ecstasy is on the Drug Enforcement Administration's
Schedule I drug list, which means it has no legal, medical purpose. Mere
possession of one pill can produce a ten-year-plus prison term, officials said.

"It's a drug, which is more associated with youth, used at parties, things
like this," Albro said, further elaborating that Ecstasy is not the same
thing as date-rape drugs that have made the headlines in recent years.

"This is more of a party-style drug," Albro said. "This gives a lot of
energy. They're jumping, they're dancing.We see the effects of well-being."

Use of Ecstasy greatly increases the blood pressure and heart rate. As a
result, the body temperature of a user can increase to 109 degrees. Some
users will wear child pacifiers so they won't excessively clinch their
teeth. Promoters of so-called "rave" parties, where these designer drugs
are used, often will provide bottled water so club patrons can fight off
dehydration.

Ecstasy definitely is something for area lawmen to worry about, Albro noted.

"We will see more and more of it. It will be one of the next wave drugs to
come through. We won't feel the effect of it like we do methamphetamine
yet, but we will see more of it," Albro said.

One of the reasons for a potential surge in usage is the cheapness of
Ecstasy. The drug is sold in pill form and the street cost can range from
$5 to $10 a pill, although admitted users report the drug can sell in other
cities for as high as $30 to 40 per pill. The pill costs 25 to 50 cents to
manufacture, according to lawmen.

The latest intelligence indicates the Ecstasy pills coming into the
southern Pennyrile apparently originate from Texas or Florida, according to
Albro.

When it comes to Ecstasy use, there are sure signs for lawmen to look for
when they conduct drug raids.

Albro said if "glo-sticks," large quantities of bottled water, wandering
lights and baby pacifiers are found at a location, then it could be the
site of a "rave party" where Ecstasy is, or was, being used.

Contrary to what some people believe, Ecstasy, just like most drugs, is
dangerous, Albro said.

"This is a drug, when they talk about somebody being fried.well this (drug)
could actually fry their brain," Albro said.