Concert victim positive for ecstasy: NBI

NBI has already submitted the results of the toxicology test to its Anti Illegal Drugs Group Division and the NBI Death Investigation Division to help in the investigation of the case

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) yesterday released the result of the toxicoloy test on one of the five victims who died during the rave party in Pasay City two weeks ago.

NBI Forensic Investigation Chief of Staff Rommel Papa, in a press conference, said that they have found the presence of MDMA methylene homolog (ecstasy) and methylene dioxin cathinones (bath salts) in the body of one of the victims.

According to Papa, several specimens were taken from the cadaver of the two victims the NBI forensic department had tested.

"We tested blood from the brain, kidney, stomach and found in the deceased body the presence of MDMA methylene homolog and methylene dioxin cathinones."

Papa, however, did not identify the victim as requested by the family.

"We were permitted to give the result of the toxicology test but we will not announce the name or the gender of the victim. Only one gave us permission," he said.

The NBI suspected that the illegal drugs the victims took were the pink tablets and the green amore. Both drugs were seized from Joshua Habalo, one of the suspects who allegedly sold the drugs during the Close-Up Forever Summer Concert on May 22.

Earlier, Papa said that the methylene dioxin cathinones and MDMA methylene homolog are classified as stimulants. In other literature, they can also be classified as hallucinogens.

As to the effect in the brain, Papa explained that these are called mind-altering drugs that affect the way people think, feel and behave. Symptoms of use include: increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, muscle spasms, and elevated mood.

Not fit

Papa added that the "bath salts" has never been used or tested on humans as it is not fit for human consumption.

"It is a laboratory chemical and it is not fit for human consumption or veterinary use, which makes it more dangerous. This substance has never been studied on human subjects," Papa said.

The NBI has already submitted the results of the toxicology test to its Anti Illegal Drugs Group Division and the NBI Death Investigation Division to help in the investigation of the case.

The Philippine National Police who did the toxicology test in the two other victims is yet to disclose the result. Papa said that the NBI forensics division will compare toxicology results of he victims with the PNP once they are done. (Sunnex)