Boulder police Detectives Cmdr. Joe Pelle said the city is seeing an increase in the number of problems associated with club drugs, most of which are easily found at raves. Neither the Boulder police nor the Boulder County Drug Task Force were immediately able to provide statistics on the number of ecstasy-related arrests and confiscations. But from anecdotal experience, officers say they know they are seeing it more. They are suddenly waking up to the fact this monster is in their midst.
National statistics show a dramatic increase in the availability of the drug.
In an interview with National Public Radio, Raymond Kelly, commissioner of customs, said the situation in the United States has changed dramatically in recent years. In 1997, customs seized 400,000 doses of ecstasy. Customs seized over 8 million tablets, in 1999, Kelly said. Officials with DEA say ecstasy is commonly produced in the Netherlands, where there are fewer restrictions. Unlike other drugs, it is difficult to manufacture in the United States.