Kanto-Shin'etsu Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

ABSTRACT: 54 Ecstasy tablets seized in Japan during the first half of CY-2002 were analyzed to determine their physical and chemical characteristics and to derive a “snapshot ” comparison with seizures made in CY’s 2000 and 2001. For physical characterization, logo, cleavage, coat, vertical view, horizontal view, diameter, thickness, weight, smell, outside color, inside color, color, toughness, capping, and logo were measured, and a photograph was taken. For chemical characterization, the tablet components were identified by GC/MS and HPLC, with quantification by HPLC. The maximum content of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine was 160 milligrams/tablet. Other tablet components detected were 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, ephedrine, caffeine, ketamine, and methamphetamine. Several trends in the chemical characteristics are presented