Description
I A range of MDMA products
The ‘ecstasy-type’ drugs MDMA, MDA and MDEA belong to
the group of synthetic compounds collectively known as
amphetamine-type stimulants. MDMA
(3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine) is a member of the
substituted phenethylamine class of drugs. MDMA was the
original chemical in pills sold as ecstasy, along with
adulterants such as caffeine. In the last decade, however,
many other substances — both active drugs(s) and
adulterants — have been identified in so-called
ecstasy pills.
I Production and trafficking
Production of MDMA takes place mainly in the Netherlands
and Belgium, and the predominant synthesis technique
used is reductive deamination. Chemicals essential to the
process, such as acetone or methylamine, have reportedly
been bought from countries that are not traditionally
associated with MDMA production, for example Germany,
Poland or Romania.
