"Ecstasy" becoming popular among Ilonggo youth
Iloilo City (13 August) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 6 (PDEA 6) said that Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or commonly known as "Ecstasy", is now becoming popular among well-to do Ilonggo youths who could afford to buy this banned designer drug.
During the recent Iloilo City Peace and Order Council (ICPOC) meeting, a PDEA 6 official reported that they have monitored that "ecstasy' is now used by affluent members of the Ilonggo society.
"Transactions related to this prohibited drug are done in some establishments in Smallville Business Center in Mandurriao district," said the PDEA 6 official.
Also known as "X-TC", "Adam", "Eden Tablet", the yuppie drug and the hug drug, among others, MDMA was first developed as an appetite suppressant in 1914 by the German company, Merck. In the 1970's, U.S. therapists led by biochemist Alexander Shulgin used the drug to help patients explore their feelings.
Aside from ecstasy, the PDEA 6 official reported that shabu is still the major drug of abuse in Western Visayas while marijuana remains the pervasive illegal drug due to its affordability and availability.
The current street price according to PDEA 6, of shabu, is 10,000 per gram; marijuana, 15,000 per kilo; and ecstasy, P1,800 per tablet.
Illegal drugs enter the region through air, land and sea transportation from Manila, Cebu, Mindoro, Masbate and Zamboanga City.
Meanwhile, Mayor Jerry Trenas, Chairman of the ICPOC said a meeting of all the Managers and owners of the concerned establishments in the Smallville Business Center, Iloilo City Police Office and PDEA will be called so that mechanisms can be pursued to ensure the problem will be minimized, if not totally eradicated. (PIA) [top]
