Thaindian News

Washington, May 23 (IANS) A new generation of designer drugs, technically legal because they are labelled “not for human consumption”, but no less dangerous than their predecessors ecstasy, methamphetamine and cocaine, can now be detected by a newly developed test.

Until now, these substances weren’t detectable in routine drug screenings. However, Norchem Corporation has developed a sophisticated lab-based test that confirms the presence of many of these designer drugs in urine samples.

Symptoms such as elevated heart rate, muscle damage, breathing problems, intense anxiety, agitation and seizures have been observed after the consumption of these drugs. Several cases of self-mutilation, paranoid hallucinations and even suicide have been attributed to them.

The test was developed primarily for the criminal justice system, including drug courts, probation, parole and treatment centres, according to a Norchem statement.

“We have a seen dramatic increase in the abuse of these drugs in reports from poison control centres and hospital emergency rooms,” Norchem’s chief executive officer Bill Gibbs said.

“The cyber-marketplace enables almost anyone with Internet access the ability to purchase these stimulants,” he added.

Routine drug screenings and “quick screen cups” do not detect the presence of these designer drugs. This new test follows the successful launch of Norchem’s “fake marijuana” (street names Spice or K2) lab-based test introduced late last year.

The new synthetic stimulants, often called “bath salts” or “plant fertilizers,” were developed to subvert law enforcement and drug testing agencies and are advertised as “legal” highs. They mimic the stimulant effects of amphetamines, ecstasy and cocaine.