The Green Apple

It is not a fruit or a bookstore in the United States. It is the newest party drug that is making the rounds in a number of high-end bars in Metro Manila.

 

The Green Apple is so called because it comes in a capsule which is colored yellow and green.    

 

“Yan,” not his real name, admits that he has used the Green Apple several times.  

 

“Increased sensation tapos sobrang happy mo, sobrang gusto mo i-hug. Meaning to say, ‘pag meron kang ka-partner tas nagustuhan mo rin siyang i-hug” (There is an increase sensation, you feel extremely happy.  You wanted to hug and if you have a partner, you want to hug him also), he explains.

 

For “Yan,” the Green Apple’s effect is similar to that of ecstasy, another party drug which is now prohibited.

 

But unlike ecstasy, shabu, or cocaine, the Green Apple is not yet on the list of prohibited drugs despite its addicting effect.

 

A capsule of a Green Apple costs around P1,000-P1,500, “Yan” says.
 

According to authorities, the Green Apple was a drug used by soldiers in Israel to prevent them from feeling the pangs of hunger.

 

Atty. Eric Isidro of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) says that their assets told them that some Nigerians in the country are among the sellers of the Green Apple.

 

Dr. Neva Duya, a toxicologist from the NBI, examined the drug. “We found out that it contains what we call synthetic cathinone. Now ang synthetic cathinone na ito, it is produced by chemical reactions.” But this synthetic cathinone is not included in the list of prohibited drugs.

 

Authorities, however, assure the public that they are closely coordinating with other law enforcement agencies like the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to closely look into this new party drug so it can be added to the list of prohibited drugs. ---Richelle Figueroa/KG, GMA News