Changes in the law will make it illegal to manufacture or supply four key
components known to be used to make E, with a maximum penalty of 14 years
jail. They are methylenedioxyphenyl-2-propanone, piperonal, safrole and
isosafrole. The changes to the law are expected to be in force by the end
of 1992.
In 1990, 44,000 tablets were seized; in 1991, 365,000.
The article says that Ecstasy, selling for #30 a tablet [!], is "emerging
as the biggest drug problem".
The Daily Telegraph's science editor, Roger Highfield, says legislation may
backfire and encourage use of a plethora of more dangerous drugs. Dr.
Russell Newcombe is quoted as saying that additional dangers could arise
when manufacturers have to do without these raw materials.
