CASTRIES, ST. Lucia, CMC -The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Nutrition is warning St. Lucians of the risk of using illicit drugs following the recent confirmation of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, referred to as MDMA, in the country.
In a statement, the Ministry said it is urging citizens and visitors to exercise extreme caution regarding the use of illicit substances, which it described as substances manufactured, sold, processed, or used illegally, or used in a manner not intended for legitimate medical purposes.
It said that recent intelligence has resulted in the St. Lucia Forensic Science Laboratory testing and confirming the country of 3,4 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), more commonly called molly, ecstasy, or crystals.
“It is a controlled substance with known risks to human health. It is a recreational drug often used in social, nightlife, and party settings.
“The appearance varies depending on how it has been produced for use. It may be in a crystal, powder, capsule, or tablet form. In tablet form, it is produced in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes, often having logos, symbols, or pictures,” the Ministry said in its statement.
It noted that MDMA is a synthetically produced drug that has stimulant effects. As such, for someone using it, there will likely be feelings of intense euphoria, such as excitement and happiness, enhanced sensory perception (touch, smell, and sight senses become more sensitive and fierce), and emotional, social, and sexual openness.
“This often results in impulsive behaviour and poor self-regulation as individuals tend to act without normal thinking or control,” the Ministry said, noting that MDMA has varying health effects based on the individual’s size, weight, and health, and whether other drugs and alcohol are also taken around the same time, among other factors.
”In the immediate or short-term use of MDMA, an individual may experience a more rapid heartbeat, increased body temperature, sweating, dehydration, blurred vision, seizures, muscle tension, jaw clenching, brain swelling, nausea, and/or vomiting. It may also become as extreme as loss of consciousness, paranoia, or out-of-character behavior. Globally, deaths have also been reported.”
The Ministry said the long-term use of MDMA may include dependence, liver damage, depression, memory and concentration deterioration, informing the members of the population that “If you or anyone you know feels unwell, collapses, or has difficulty breathing after taking MDMA, seek immediate emergency medical attention at the nearest hospital or community health facility.
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