Spring Break incident downgraded

By RAY QUIROGA
Port Isabel-South Padre PRESS
rayq@portisabelsouthpadre.com

An incident which was thought to have involved up to 100 victims of illicit intoxication was severely downgraded and downplayed on Tuesday.

Media reports rapidly spread that a substance possibly known as “Molly” had been passed among Spring Breakers and vacationers throughout the weekend. By Tuesday evening, however, the City of South Padre Island was quick to respond by downgrading the reported incidents to merely 20.

“It has been brought to the attention of the City of South Padre Island that there is misinformation being distributed regarding medical services being rendered involving drugs known as ‘Molly’ during Spring Break,” South Padre Island Spokesperson Naida Robles stated in a news release.

“The City of South Padre Island is extremely proud of its efforts during Texas Week in providing top-notch emergency medical services and is happy to report that of the estimated crowd of 25,000 visiting the Island during Texas Week, an estimated 20 cases were confirmed relating to the consumption of this drug,” Robles added.

Still, the debate with regards of just how many reported incidents caused by this intoxicant lingered, moving Cameron County Assistant Health Administrator Esmeralda to issue this statement:

“The Cameron County Department of Health and Human Services has been notified by local hospitals that a number of patients have been seen in the emergency rooms experiencing effects from alcohol and drug use. Some of these patients were tested using a drug panel, but at this time the county health department does not have confirmation of the type of drug(s) taken.

Currently, health officials have not confirmed or ruled out these reports may be due to the drug called ‘Molly’. The Molly cocktail is a mix of cocaine, bath salts or similar derivatives, and ecstasy taken with alcohol, water or other drink.

The Texas Health and Safety Code requires health care providers, hospitals, laboratories, schools, and others to report patients who are suspected of having a ‘notifiable condition’. As lab reports of drug consumption is not a notifiable condition, the Cameron County Department of Health and Human Services is unable to confirm the number of individuals reporting to the hospitals.

It is strongly advised that individuals drink responsibly and do not consume illegal substances. The Cameron County Department of Health and Human Services continues to work with local municipalities, government officials and health care officials to ensure the safety of its residents and visitors.”

Authorities have yet to divulge just how the drug or cocktail was distributed. Furthermore, there has been debate as to whether the cocktail being distributed was “Molly,” since some have argued that “Molly” refers to something quite the opposite of a cocktail. According to online sources, “A molly is the purest form of ecstasy (MDMA). The appearance of this drug is typically white in color. Drugs beige or yellowish indicate that the drug is not in its purest form. The drug is usually consumed as a pill and is considered an “upper”.

Read this story in the March 21 edition of the Port Isabel-South Padre Press, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2013/03/21/spring-break-incident-downgraded/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

 

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.