Puerto Vallarta, known for its nightlife and scenic beauty, has seen an alarming rise in drug use and contamination, posing significant health risks to consumers. This issue has become more complex, particularly within the LGBT+ community, where the use of various substances is prevalent.
“Anything for the party? Perico, tacha, mota,” offered a drug dealer on the Puerto Vallarta boardwalk to Anthony, a visitor from Arizona. Reluctant at first, Anthony eventually succumbed to the persistent dealer and purchased a few grams of cocaine. What followed was a night of revelry with other men, involving the consumption of additional substances such as poppers, alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the sea.
However, the day after returning to Arizona from Vallarta Pride, Anthony experienced severe symptoms that went beyond a typical hangover. He reported muscle pain, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, itchy eyes, and extreme tiredness. Suspicious of the purity of the drugs he had purchased, Anthony speculated that the substances might have been contaminated.
Mark, another user, shared similar concerns. He feared that the crystal methamphetamine he consumed was laced with fentanyl, given the unusual effects he experienced. Energy Control, a Spanish organization specializing in substance advice and analysis, explains that crystal meth acts on the central nervous system, releasing neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. This results in energy, euphoria, increased sexual desire, and reduced inhibitions. However, the recent reports of contamination have raised alarms.
Among the LGBT+ community in Puerto Vallarta, there are growing worries about the adulteration of drugs with fentanyl. Some suggest that this contamination might be a deliberate attempt to increase addiction rates, though the exact motives remain unclear.
In response to these concerns, the LGBT+ community has started to take preventive measures. They joke about suing their dealers, but the underlying anxiety is palpable. The organizers of Pervert, a traveling party known for its inclusive and underground scene, recently held Pervert Talks to discuss drug use without the usual stigmas. Similarly, Casa La Moira hosted a discussion on substance use among LGBT+ populations, highlighting the dangers of unknowingly consuming fentanyl-laced drugs.
The Report on Demand and Supply of Fentanyl in Mexico, presented by specialists from the National Commission for Mental Health and Addictions (Conasama), indicates a local increase in fentanyl use, though not yet on a national scale. In 2023, Mexico registered 430 cases of fentanyl use, up from 333 in 2022, with cases concentrated in northern states such as Baja California, Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, and Sonora.
“This shows that the increase is at a local level, not national; however, the main concern revolves around its high lethality,” the report warns. The use of fentanyl outside of medical contexts is particularly troubling due to its addictive potential and the high risk of overdose.
