French authorities arrested two individuals in Tarbes over the weekend for alleged drug trafficking near the site of a large electronic music event. The arrests,made late Saturday and early Sunday along Route de Juillan,resulted in the seizure of 13.5 grams of 3-MMC and 1.8 grams of MDMA. The incident highlights a growing concern regarding the presence of synthetic drugs at public gatherings and the efforts of law enforcement to disrupt their distribution.
French authorities arrested two individuals in Tarbes, France, late Saturday night into Sunday morning while they were exchanging illicit drugs. The arrests occurred near a large electronic music event in the Bastillac area, along Route de Juillan. Police discovered the individuals possessed synthetic drugs, including 3-MMC and MDMA.
The incident unfolded on Route de Juillan in Tarbes during the overnight hours of Saturday, November 4th and Sunday, November 5th, as a large electronic music festival took place nearby. Officers witnessed a discreet exchange between two people, prompting them to intervene and detain the individuals. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of drug use at large public gatherings and the efforts to maintain public safety.
Synthetic Drugs Found in Their Possession
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A search of the two individuals revealed they were carrying synthetic drugs. Authorities seized 13.5 grams of “3-MMC” and 1.8 grams of “MDMA.” These substances are sometimes referred to as “poor man’s cocaine” due to their lower cost compared to cocaine and their stimulant effects. Both men were taken into police custody.
Drugs Purchased in Angoulême, Intended for Festival Use
During questioning, one of the arrested men stated he had purchased the drugs in Angoulême, where he resides. He indicated his intention was to share the substances with friends attending the electronic music festival in Tarbes. This act will likely result in a criminal penalty for both individuals.
MDMA: The Active Ingredient in Ecstasy
MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a member of the amphetamine family of drugs. It is the primary active ingredient in ecstasy. In its raw form, ecstasy appears as white crystals, but it can manifest in various forms, including colorful tablets often imprinted with designs or logos, powders, capsules containing the powder, and translucent crystals of different colors.
The amount of MDMA in a product can vary significantly, ranging from a few milligrams to over 200 mg. It’s also common for tablets or powders to contain substances other than MDMA, sometimes including pharmaceuticals or other synthetic drugs.
MDMA is known by several street names, including Ecsta, E, Ex, X, XTC, Molly, and MD. It’s important to distinguish MDMA from “liquid ecstasy,” which is often a reference to GHB.
What is 3-MMC?
3-MMC, or 3-methylmethcathinone, is a synthetic molecule derived from cathinones. It typically appears as a powder and possesses stimulant properties similar to amphetamines. It belongs to the family of synthetic cathinones, categorized as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).
Users generally seek euphoria, stimulation, and increased libido from the drug. In France, 3-MMC is now classified as a controlled substance. Due to its increasing prevalence in Europe, it is under heightened surveillance by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction through its Early Warning System.
3-MMC: A “New Cocaine”?
The term “new cocaine” is increasingly used to describe 3-MMC, particularly in the media. While this label has increased its visibility, the two substances have different pharmacological properties and effects.
Cocaine has been consistently used for approximately fifteen years. In 2017, around 600,000 people in France were estimated to have used cocaine annually, representing 1.6% of the population. Conversely, there is no precise data on the number of 3-MMC users, although it is believed to be significantly lower.
In the early 2010s, 3-MMC use was observed in specific contexts, particularly among men who have sex with men, within practices combining group sex and synthetic drug use, known as “chemsex.”
Since around 2017, the substance has been increasingly consumed in broader festive settings, such as nightclubs, festivals, concerts, free parties, and private gatherings. The demographics of users have diversified to include both men and women, heterosexual and homosexual individuals, who occasionally use various psychostimulants.
Consumers often describe the effects of 3-MMC as a combination of cocaine, MDMA, and amphetamines. It is also less expensive, costing between 30 and 40 euros per gram, compared to 50 to 70 euros for cocaine.
Toxicological Profiles to Consider
While both cocaine and 3-MMC have stimulant effects, 3-MMC has a different toxicity profile due to its similarity to amphetamines. Observed adverse effects include increased blood pressure and heart rate, as well as psychological issues such as paranoia, hallucinations, anxiety, and severe insomnia.
Risks also depend on the route of administration, particularly with injection or nasal consumption, which carry infectious and tissue damage risks. 3-MMC can also interact with other substances, especially stimulants or certain antidepressants.
As with other psychostimulants, including MDMA, consumption can be accompanied by a “come-down” effect, characterized by intense fatigue and irritability.
The arrest in Tarbes illustrates the presence of these synthetic drugs in local festive contexts, a phenomenon regularly observed by law enforcement during large nighttime gatherings. This underscores the need for continued vigilance and public health awareness regarding the risks associated with these substances.
