Originally manufactured by the Nazis to help keep their troops awake
for days, Yaba has become increasingly popular in the Far East
amongst claims that the drug is now bigger than heroin in Thailand.

Yaba is a derivative of synthetic amphetamines such as speed and can
be manufactured far more quickly and easily than traditional forms
of amphetamine. The recipe has spread from the Far East by word of
mouth and on the Internet (no, don't ask us).

We've experienced some difficulty getting a consistent description
of ingredients and effects, with some reports stating that the drug
is mostly methamphetamine, running 80% pure with much of the cut
being castoff from heroin production

top

The drug usually comes in pill form (often red/orange, sometimes
green) and with its potent mix of visuals and intense highs, drug
experts predict that it may soon become popular on the UK club scene.

Although yaba is still very rare in the UK, drug experts report that
the UK is being targeted by yaba producers from the 'Golden
Triangle' - the drug producing areas which straddle the borders of
Thailand, Burma and Laos.

The main ingredients, which include salt, household cleaning
products, distilled cold medicines and lithium from camera
batteries, can be bought legally and the drug easily knocked out at
home with a couple of casserole dishes and a hob.

The rewards for criminals can be huge. Around £300 of raw materials
can make yaba worth more than £2,000 at British street prices. Since
the equipment needed is portable, labs can be moved on a regular
basis, making it more difficult for police to track them down.

top

Side effects:
The drug is claimed to create an intense hallucinogenic effect and
can keep users awake for days on end, although some users have
reported that the only visuals come as a result of sleep deprivation
after binge sessions.

Health risks:
Addictive and/or habit-forming. Regular use of the drug has been
linked to lung and kidney disorders, hallucinations and paranoia. A
frequent hallucination is 'speed bugs' or crank bugs' where users
believe that bugs are crawling under their skin and go loopy trying
to get them out. In Thailand, the number of students entering rehab
to deal with yaba addiction has risen by nearly 1,000% in the past
two years (source: Observer 17.10.99) Those coming off the drug are
also susceptible to severe depression and suicidal urges.

Detection periods: unknown

The Law: unknown