Originally published May 2, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified May 2, 2007 at 1:16 PM
E-mail article
Print view
Share
New threat: fruit-flavored meth
Arkansas police officers had seen leftover methamphetamine ingredients just like the mess they found in a suspected cook's trash can last...
The Associated Press
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas police officers had seen leftover methamphetamine ingredients just like the mess they found in a suspected cook's trash can last month. What gave them pause this time were the packets of strawberry-flavored children's drink mix next to the bin.
It was among the officers' first encounters with "Strawberry Quick," the latest version of methamphetamine, a drug authorities say manufacturers are constantly remaking to keep their customer base growing.
From lollipops to high-sugar sodas, law enforcement officials say they've found meth cut with a variety of candies, drinks and other materials over the years. Officials say the "designer meth" can smooth the ingestion of the drug, making it easier for first-time users to try.
"It's really a bitter substance ... so if you're going to try to make it more consumable for the masses, then you're going to want to try to take that edge off whichever way you can," said Chris Harrison, chief illicit laboratory chemist at the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory.
"Strawberry Quick" came to prominence in January, after the Nevada Department of Public Safety issued a bulletin describing the type of meth there, said Steve Robertson, a Washington-based spokesman for the Drug Enforcement Administration. DEA agents have since heard reports of flavored meth appearing in Missouri, Texas, Washington state and Wisconsin — though Robertson stressed it was not a nationwide phenomenon.
"Traffickers are out there and are trying to sell it to customers, whether they are young customers or older, brand-new customers by changing the color or the taste or just giving it a less-intimidating name, they are trying to make it seem less dangerous and lure this new customer base," Robertson said. "If someone was completely terrified of trying it, it might diminish the threat."
"Strawberry Quick" uses powdered drink mix to give the drug a pink coloring. The sweetness of the powder can make meth more palatable and partially masks its harsh chemical taste.
Cutting the meth also may soften the burning sensation some have when snorting the powdered drug, Harrison said.
"It's a different spin, like a marketing thing," said William Bryant, assistant special agent in charge of the DEA's office in Little Rock.
Methamphetamine is found in powder and in a crystalized form similar to broken glass. Its low boiling point allows for it to be smoked or injected easily.
Because of its chemical properties, meth easily mixes into any water-based liquid. Caffeinated, high-sugar energy drinks and sodas often litter areas where meth cookers manufacture the drug, sometimes used as a chaser to the stimulant, Harrison said.
E-mail article
Print view
Share
UPDATE - 08:13 AM
Blizzards pound snowbound Mid-Atlantic to New York
UPDATE - 06:41 AM
Afghans airlift bodies as avalanche deaths hit 166
UPDATE - 08:22 AM
Britain discloses secret data on detainee abuse
NEW - 08:28 AM
Doctor: Man may have been in Haiti rubble 27 days
UPDATE - 08:32 AM
Ethiopian jet's 2nd black box retrieved from sea
More Nation & World headlines...
![]()

Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
nwautos
Associated Press Study: Fatal crashes down in Washington Last year Washington's roads were the scene of the fewest fatal crashes since 1955. According...
Post a comment
nwjobs
Post a comment
Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
Five reasons to stick with a job you hate -- for now
Post a comment
- Alaska Air dropping Jones Soda, going back to Coke
- Man found shot dead in pickup truck in Seattle
- Phil Harris, 53, of 'Deadliest Catch,' dies
- Seattle is first U.S. stop for Picasso exhibit
- Teen is beaten in bus tunnel; Metro to review policies
- Husky Football Blog | Pac-10 expansion to get consideration over next year
- State Senate votes to clear way for tax increases
- Idol Confessions | "American Idol" hopeful from Seattle didn't make it to Hollywood afterall
- Belltown boulevard could be completed by early next year
- School levies passing in most area districts
- State Senate votes to clear way for tax increases
290 - Republicans may be no-shows at health-plan summit
279 - Bus-tunnel attack while guards watched prompts review of Metro security
259 - Pac-10 expansion to get consideration over next year
250 - Lee undergoes foot surgery
233 - Obama: GOP and Dems together can spur job growth
214 - Fort Lewis soldier charged with abusing 4-year-old, holding her head in water
197 - Rivals names Martin one of Pac-10's best recruiters
143 - White House mocks Sarah Palin from podium
126 - Alaska Air dropping Jones Soda, going back to Coca-Cola
78
- Seattle is first U.S. stop for Picasso exhibit
- Phil Harris, 53, of 'Deadliest Catch,' dies
- Belltown boulevard could be completed by early next year
- 747-8 soars smoothly on first outing
- Wine Adviser | Oregon's quality pinots join the bargain ranks
- Alaska Air dropping Jones Soda, going back to Coke
- Teen is beaten in bus tunnel; Metro to review policies
- How clean are those pre-washed salad greens?
- Snap out of your photo funk: How to make sense of all those piles of images
- Dendreon revving up drug plants ahead of FDA decision





