PDEA tomonitor rave parties

Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have been ordered to closely monitor rave parties in Metro Manila after receiving reports that the gatherings are being used as venues for the sale of the designer drug Ecstasy.

According to PDEA deputy director for operations, Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Caisip, the surveillance order was given following reports that rave parties held at bars and other entertainment spots are also serving Ecstasy along with drinks and music.

"We have received reports that Ecstasy is being openly distributed in these rave parties. Unfortunately, when we arrive at the scene, it is already too late with the pushers already gone," Caisip said.

He added that it is likely that the owners of these bars and even the organizers of these rave parties are unaware of the distribution of Ecstasy.

This is the reason why we need their support in our operations," he said.

Caisip said that waiters or disc jockeys of the posh bars usually serve as the contacts between the traffickers and their party-going clients.

Scientifically known as Methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA, Ecstasy is created in a complex laboratory process. Aside from Ecstasy, MDMA is also known among users as E, Adam, X and Empathy.

Ecstasy is a mood or mind-altering drug that works by effecting the chemical level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter naturally present in the brain which can alter emotions.

Interestingly, while MDMA was initially intended to be used as a diet pill when it was patented in 1913, the US Army experimented with it in 1953 as a truth serum. Ecstasy reportedly also has an aphrodisiac-like effect, earning it another popular name — the love pill.

Caisip said that a tablet of Ecstasy could cost the user between P1,300 and P1,800.