The dangers of methamphetamine are often overshadowed.
(SALEM, Ore.) - Parents are advised to be on the lookout for a new form of crystalized methamphetamine that is targeted at children. Emergency responders around the nation are also being told to be aware of this new form of meth if called to an emergency involving a child that may have symptoms of drug induction or overdose.
This new form of meth is called "Strawberry Quick" and it looks like the "Pop Rocks" candy that sizzle in your mouth. In its current form, it is dark pink in color and has a strawberry scent.
It may sound like an old story, but parents should remind kids not to accept candy from strangers as this is obviously an attempt to seduce children into drug use. They also need to be cautious in accepting candy from even friends that may have received it from someone else, thinking it is just candy.
A group called hoax-slayer.com confirms that the information about the new drug is factual.
"Emails advising recipients about 'Strawberry Quick', a form of pink, strawberry scented methamphetamine began hitting inboxes in April 2007. The messages warn that unsuspecting children may be more willing to try the drug or take a dose by accident because it looks and smells like candy.
This new form of methamphetamine is real. According to an Associated Press article published on the KSTP-TV website, "Strawberry Quick" came to the attention of drug enforcement agents after the Nevada Department of Public Safety released a bulletin about the substance in January 2007. Since then, agents have heard reports about flavored meth in several other states.
Children and adolescents are certainly likely to be more susceptible to this comparatively attractive form of the drug. That said, dealers might not be targeting "Strawberry Quick" only at youngsters. Meth has a harsh, chemical taste so making the drug more palatable by adding favoring may help dealers market it to both young and older users. Moreover, applying a catchy name may make the drug seem a little less dangerous to potential new users. The name may remind potential users of "Quik", a harmless and much-loved powder used to flavor milk.
Strawberry is not the only flavor used by meth dealers. According to a USA Today article, chocolate, cola and other flavors have also been reported, including one marketed as a powdered energy drink that was red in color. Just like legitimate companies, illicit drug dealers try to market their products by making them visually attractive, better tasting or in some way unique.
Any marketing technique that makes dangerous drugs like methamphetamine seem more attractive to children is especially worrying. In the US, Senators Dianne Feinstein and Chuck Grassley have responded by introducing legislation that will "increase the federal criminal penalties for drug dealers who entice children with candy-flavored methamphetamine and other flavored drugs".
This article originates from a MySpace bulletin posted August 7th by a member who is also an Emergency Services Technician. It is a good example of one of the many useful sides of MySpace, a social networking site on the Web that normally receives little good media coverage.
Special thanks to Becky Winters for bringing this information to Salem-News.com via MySpace.
Warnings Issued Over New Form of Crystalized MethamphetamineSalem-News.com