Ssynthetic drugs, according to authorities distributed at Megafiestas | EYLEEN VARGAS / LN FILE (WITH PHOTO ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES)
According to a report issued in December by the Costa Rican Drug Institute (ICD), a total of six new synthetic drugs or psychoactive substances have been found after testing the bodies of victims. In October, a 13 year old girl died of a heart attack after ingesting one of the substances.
The six substances are derivatives of ketamine, synthetic cannabinoid (generates a marijuana-like effect) and stimulants. These products, generally used for medical or veterinary purposes are not among the list of 124 drugs that are regulated as controlled substances by the Ministry of Health. Their current status make it impossible to bring criminal charges against the sellers for narcotics trafficking.
According to Carlos Alvarado Valverde of the ICD, the new drugs are being introduced to young people at so called Mega-fiestas or unregulated private parties.