The Dutch police, through an anti-drug raid, seized a figure of a gnome weighing approximately 2 kilograms made from handmade drugs in the garden of a home in Dongemond, Netherlands, last Saturday, November 22.
The peculiar discovery left law enforcement officers stunned, as they did not imagine that the doll would contain narcotics. After the confiscation, they published a brief message on their official account on X: “We are aware that illicit substances come in many shapes and sizes, but from time to time we come across something special.”
The authority also added on the social network how they examined the doll, even though it appeared to be made of stone: “It is a strange place to keep your garden gnome, so we decided to test it for possible narcotics.” ”.
Their assumptions turned out to be completely correct, as they discovered that the statue, which weighed almost 2 kilos, was made entirely of MDMA. “The gnome himself was obviously surprised,” the Netherlands Police joke at the end, alluding to the expression presented by the figure of the garden gnome, who covers his mouth with both hands.
What is MDMA?
MDMA, also known as molly, M or ecstasy, among many other terms, is a synthetic laboratory substance that produces effects similar to those of stimulants such as methamphetamine. However, some studies and organizations classify it as a psychedelic drug, since it can also slightly alter visual and temporal perception, according to the United States National Institute on Drug Abuse. The effects of MDMA may include increased energy, increased alertness, and a heightened sense of well-being, warmth, and greater connection with others. However, MDMA can also cause undesirable and potentially dangerous negative effects on health.
MDMA consumption prohibited in most nations
Possession of MDMA (ecstasy) began to be banned globally as governments began classifying it as a controlled substance due to its health risks and potential for abuse:
United States (1985):
MDMA was classified as a Schedule I drug (drugs with high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use) by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 1985. This was a key step in the banning of the substance in many countries, since many international legislations follow the DEA guidelines.
- United Nations Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1988):
In 1988, the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances included MDMA in its list of controlled substances, leading many countries to adopt similar laws to prohibit its possession, distribution and manufacture. - Europe (late 80s and early 90s):
In many European countries, MDMA became illegal in the 1990s as it became popular in rave and electronic party culture. For example, MDMA was classified as a controlled substance in the United Kingdom in 1997, although measures were taken in other countries in the region in previous years. - Australia (1988):
Australia also banned MDMA in the late 1980s after recreational use became widespread.
Since then, most countries in the world have established laws prohibiting the possession, manufacture, and distribution of MDMA, although some places have considered exceptions for its use in scientific or therapeutic research (for example, in the treatment of mental disorders). of post-traumatic stress).
Although MDMA is widely banned, there has been renewed interest in its potential therapeutic use in recent years. Some clinical studies have investigated its use in treatments for disorders such as post-traumatic stress and depression, which has led to a debate about its legalization in certain medical contexts. However, in most countries it remains illegal for recreational use.
However, the United Nations (UN) estimated in 2020 that around 20 million people, mostly from the United States and Europe, had consumed it at least once at the beginning of that year.
Note for: David Josue Quispe Franco.
#Leprechaun #ecstasy #seized #Netherlands
## The Curious Case of the Drug-Fueled Garden Gnome: An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Emily Carter
**World Today News:** Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us today to discuss this truly bizarre news story. Finding a 2 kilogram MDMA garden gnome in someone’s yard – it’s not something you see every day.
**Dr. Emily Carter (Drug Policy Expert):** Absolutely! It’s certainly a unique case, highlighting just how creative, and sometimes alarmingly unexpected, drug smuggling operations can become.
**WTN:** Can you shed some light on MDMA for our readers who might potentially be unfamiliar with it?
**Dr. Carter:** MDMA, or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is commonly known as ecstasy or molly. It’s a synthetic drug that acts as both a stimulant and hallucinogen. It produces feelings of euphoria, increased energy, empathy, and altered sensory experiences.
**WTN:** This gnome, however, wasn’t hidden in some shadowy corner. It was proudly displayed in a garden. What could this tell us about the intended use of the drugs?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s highly unusual, isn’t it? This suggests a level of nonchalance or perhaps even a misguided sense of humor from the individuals involved. It might indicate they believed they were being clever, hiding the drugs in plain sight, or perhaps they intended to use the gnome as a conversation starter or a way to discreetly distribute the MDMA within a smaller circle of people.
**WTN:** What are the dangers associated with MDMA, especially when found in such an unexpected form?
**Dr. Carter:** Well, MDMA is a powerful drug with potential adverse effects, including dehydration, overheating, anxiety, paranoia, and even seizures. The danger is compounded by the fact that the potency of illicit MDMA can vary significantly. In this case,the gnome’s peculiar design could lull someone into a false sense of security,leading to accidental ingestion or misuse,especially if children were to come across it.
**WTN:** this incident raises questions about the ingenuity of drug traffickers and the challenges law enforcement faces in keeping up.
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. This highlights the need for continuous adaptation and awareness. Authorities need to be vigilant and creative in their detection methods, recognizing that drug smugglers will always seek innovative concealment techniques.
**WTN:** what message do you think this story sends to the general public?
**Dr. carter:** This incident is a reminder that drugs can take on many forms and lurk in unsuspecting places.It underlines the importance of vigilance, knowledge about different substances, and open communication about drug use and its risks.
