NBI: Lab chemical unfit for humans sold by pushers

A CHEAPER and more dangerous version of ecstasy is being sold in the local market although its trade and use have yet to be considered illegal.

National Bureau of Investigation forensics division chief of staff Romel Papa said on Tuesday that MDMA methylene homolog had the same effect as ecstasy.

However, the substance—a laboratory drug used in forensic research—has yet to be included in the list of prohibited drugs under the law.

“What is MDMA methylene homolog? It’s a chemical being utilized for forensic and laboratory research. It’s a laboratory chemical and unfit for human consumption or veterinary use, making it more dangerous. This substance was never studied on human subjects,” Papa told reporters.

Its trade was discovered after the NBI anti-illegal drugs division led by Joel Tovera arrested on Saturday Joshua Habalo who yielded MDMA methylene homolog which came in pink tablets. “I was informed initially that those items were similar or connected with the drugs taken by the victims in the Pasay concert,” Tovera said.