Netherlands National Drug Monitor - Research and Documentation ...

• Ketamine was found more often in 2008 than in 2006, but not more often than in
2007. Nor was there any real sign of an increase in the first half of 2009. Use of
this substance is reported in certain networks in some parts of the country. Its use
increased among Amsterdam clubbers during the past decade, but nationwide trend
data are not available (Benschop et al., 2009; Nabben et al., 2007a).
• In late 2004 the substance meta-Chloro-Phenyl-Piperazine (mCPP) appeared on the
Dutch Ecstasy market. mCPP, like MDMA works on serotonergenic brain cells, but has
scarcely any stimulative effect. Users report many negative effects (Bossong, 2009).
- The total share of samples containing mCPP in all samples registered by DIMS
rose from 6% in 2006 to 7% in 2007 and 2008. This rising trend appears to have
continued during the first half of 2009 (10%). It was decided at European level not
to conduct a risk evaluation for this substance. However, since 2006 it is actively
monitored within the context of the European Early Warning System.
• Another piperazine that has been found in Ecstasy tablets since 2003 is benzylpiperazine
(BZP). In contrast to certain other European countries, BZP does not appear to
enjoy great popularity in the Netherlands. In 2008 and 2009 it was scarcely found
at all by the DIMS.
- At European level, a risk evaluation for BZP was conducted in 2007. Following the
ensuing recommendations, it was decided on 3 March 2008 that BZP should be
brought under the control of national drugs legislation in the EU member states.
- In the Netherlands, mCPP , BZP, mephedrone and 4-fluoramphetamine are
regarded as non-registered drugs that are covered by the Medicines Act (GW),
formerly known as the WoG. Unlicensed trade in these substances is illegal. On
31 August 2009, BZP was brought under the Opium Act.
5 Ecstasy, amphetamine and related substances
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