NCJ Number
124522
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 17 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1990) Pages: 18,60
Date Published
1990
Length
2 pages
Annotation
The use of "ice" -- an odorless, colorless form of methamphetamine that resembles rock candy -- may reach epidemic proportions in the United States, since it can be made cheaply and easily in clandestine laboratories in this country; police must be prepared to counter the possible spread of its use.
Abstract
Ice produces a much longer period of euphoria than crack and is followed by a more disturbing psychological reaction. Instead of the 15-minute high with crack, ice may last as long as 24 hours, and the psychological "crash" is much worse. The symptoms of ice are acute psychosis that can last up to 48 hours. Severe paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, and an impaired ability to speak coherently make its addicts temporarily indistinguishable from paranoid schizophrenics. Currently, the drug is being distributed in schools in Honolulu by offering free samples to students. Law enforcement should be prepared to deal with the drug, its users, distributors, and manufacturers. Special task forces, complete with canine units, must be formed to curb the spread of ice. State sentencing guidelines may require revisions to target those possessing and distributing this drug.