Ecstasy

Chemical term

• Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)

• Methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA)

• Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA)

Description

• 'Ecstasy' refers to tablets containing MDMA, MDEA and MDA. These tablets come in different colours with different logos stamped on them. They are often sold in discos as well as night joints. People take them to enable them to dance all night and sometimes they die from exhaustion and dehydration.

• Other controlled drugs such as Ketamine and Methamphetamine, and chemicals such as paracetamol and calcium carbonate are often mixed with ‘Ecstasy’. This may cause bad reactions to the body.

Effects and dangers

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure

• Jaw clenching, teeth grinding and uncontrollable shaking

• Kidney, liver and brain damage

• Long term memory loss

• Chills, sweating and vomiting

• Inability to think, see and co-ordinate properly

• Hallucinations

Withdrawal symptoms

• Anxiety, depression and uncontrollable fear

• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)

• Loss of control of senses and reality

Penalties

Possession of ‘Ecstasy’:

• Up to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of $20,000 or both

Consumption of ‘Ecstasy’:

• At least 1 year of imprisonment, up to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment with a maximum fine of $20,000 

Illegal traffic of ‘Ecstasy’:

• At least 5 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane

Illegal import or export of 'Ecstasy':

• At least 5 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 30 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane