VIM IN THE VEINS - FANTASY OR FACT - THE ADULTERATION OF ILLICIT DRUGS

The purpose of this paper is to throw some light on the adulteration a nd dilution of illicit drugs, heroin, cocaine, amphetamine and ecstasy in particular. The findings of the paper question common assertions t hat street drugs are 'dirty' drugs full of dangerous and unknown quant ities such as brick-dust, Vim, Ajar (domestic cleaning agents), rat-po ison and even ground glass, as well as the logic of why such practices should be thought to exist. Common adulterants and diluents (diluting agents) are outlined and discussed and an understanding of them as es sentially rational and relatively safe not unpredictable and life-thre atening is put forward. It is further suggested that far less adultera tion than is frequently believed to take place actually does so.