Levasole: Yikes!

Nearly one third of all cocaine which is imported into the United States is cut with a dangerous veterinary drug named Levasole, scientific studies report. The drug, which is normally used as a de-worming treatment for livestock and occasionally in humans for colorectal cancer, has been blamed for three deaths and at dozens of illnesses.

It is well established that Levasole severely weakens the body’s immune system. So why are they finding it in cocaine? Studies suggest that the drug might give the cocaine user a significant boost in high, as it is believed to cause reactions in the dopamine pleasure producers in the brain. But it was not found present in cocaine until January 2008. Which begs the question: why the new cutting agent?

Some believe that, as the war on drugs created an economic pressure on cocaine producers and smugglers, and decreased supply made prices higher on the streets, Levasole provided a cheap and effective means of cutting without severely reducing the impact on the user’s experience. Authorities say that the Levasole is being added in Columbia and other locations south of the border before being packed for distribution to the United States and Canada to be sold in powder or rock form.

And so we have reason number 1,254,367 to legalize drugs in this country.