Emerging Drug of Concern
1 October 2009 16:55:04
South Australia Police are concerned about the emergence of an illicit drug referred to as DOI (4-Iodo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine).
This drug is increasingly coming to the attention of police, forensic and health officials in South Australia.
Detective Inspector John De Candia stresses that the manufacture, trafficking and supply of illicit drugs are serious offences and South Australia Police commits significant resources to the detection and prosecution of criminals involved in the trade in illicit drugs.
Detective Inspector John De Candia said that the drugs potentially fatal effects are the reason for concern regarding this emerging illicit drug, which has strong hallucinogenic properties and users have reported visual distortion, audio distortion and visual hallucinations.
Being similar in appearance and effects, it is easily mistaken as LSD.
Consistent with other synthetic hallucinogens such as LSD, the effects of a particular dose are highly unpredictable and may vary significantly from user to user, and also for the same user on different occasions.
Short-term effects can include:
- hallucinations and perceptual distortions – visual, time, space, and body image;
- mood swings, anxiety, panic reaction, paranoia, exhilaration;
- numbness, muscle weakness and twitching, tremor, impaired coordination, dilated pupils, seizures;
- increased heart rate and blood pressure, changes in temperature, sweating, rapid deep breathing and nausea and vomiting
In addition, some users have reported feeling fearful due to the intensity and duration of the hallucinogenic effect, which lasts approximately 2 – 3 days longer than LSD.
The Royal Adelaide Hospital has reported treating a number of hallucinogen overdoses from unknown substances that were consistent with the toxicity of this drug.
Detective Inspector John De Candia said that if it is suspected that a person is suffering from a drug overdose, it is vital to immediately seek medical assistance.
South Australia Police does not impede medical assistance in these situations.
South Australia Police strongly warn against the use of any illicit drug and urge members of the public who may have information in relation to illicit drug activity to contact BankSA Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Further drug information is available from the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (24-hour information and counselling) by telephone: 1300 131 340 (Local call fee for SA callers).
SA Police [PDF]