While law enforcement officers focused their investigations on the abuse of methamphetamines, a new drug sneaked into town. Ecstasy, a synthetic drug with hallucinogenic properties, is on the rise in Ames, said Capt. John Tinker, manager of the Central Iowa Drug Task Force. In the last few weeks, hundreds of doses of the drug have been seized. “I think there’s quite a bit of it around in the area,” said Tinker, who is also a captain with the Department of Public Safety. “I’ve been hearing reports that it’s prevalent at a lot of the bars.” Ecstasy, also known as “E” or “X,” comes in various forms, including a tablet that is about twice as big and thick as an aspirin, Tinker said. It’s sold for about $25 per tablet. “It’s very popular at raves,” DPS Director Loras Jaeger said. “There are raves occurring in this part of Iowa. We know there are some not that far away.” A rave is an all-night party where loud techno music is played. Tinker said at least three of these have taken place in Ames and ecstasy has been present at all of them. The drug gives users periods of heightened sensitivity that last between three and six hours, Tinker said. During these periods, sounds, colors and emotions are intensified, and the drug gives users more self-esteem and more self-awareness, he said. “It’s a feel-good drug. It makes everyone real comfortable with the people around them,” Tinker said. “Basically, it’s a drug aimed toward the younger generation.” Aaron Rud, sophomore in chemical engineering, has been to raves in Chicago. He said drugs are prominent, but most people are there for the music. “It’s good music, and I go with friends; it’s a good time,” he said. “[Raves have] been sensationalized, but it’s a pretty valid point. There is probably more that goes on than I even know about.” Rud said a lot of LSD and ecstasy are used at the raves. “There’ll be people sitting there, and you know they’re there to sell,” he said. No one pressures anyone to do drugs, though, he said. Scott Shifflett, freshman in construction engineering, considers himself a “raver.” He’s been to small raves in Cedar Rapids and hangs at local clubs that play techno music. “Any raver you talk to, it’s all about the music – the vibe, being with people,” he said. “It’s really non-violent. Yes, there are drugs there, but the whole thing about raves is not the drugs but the music.” Shifflett said he hasn’t heard of any raves or heavy drug use in Ames. “Cities always like to shut them down, and it’s all because of the drugs,” he said. “It’s no different then going to a Smashing Pumpkins concert. There’s going to be drugs, people on drugs and people high, but you go for the music.” Jaeger said meth and cocaine are often substituted for ecstasy. This is where officials are the most concerned. “The thing of it is, there are a lot of other drugs that are sold as ecstasy,” Jaeger said. “They can have a number of other ingredients in them.” Ecstasy has a number of side effects, including memory loss, mood swings, depression and liver and kidney damage. It can also cause a stroke or death. Tinker said at least three people have died in Illinois in the last three months from what they believed was Ecstasy. The drug task force, which includes members of the Ames Police Department, DPS, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the Boone and Story County Sheriff’s Departments, has also heard rumors about Ketamine or “Special K” being in Ames. Ketamine is a hallucinogenic drug that is generally found in liquid or powder form. It is used as an anesthetic by veterinarians and is found in the same circle of people who use ecstasy. It’s sold for about $150 per gram.