Seized LSD Increases Over Tenfold

Nearly 8,000 doses of LSD have been confiscated by Icelandic customs authorities this year, in contrast to just 10 doses in 2012.

The Directorate of Customs reports that the amount of LSD seized by authorities has increased dramatically. In 2010, 510 doses were confiscated. In 2011, that figure rose to 4,500, only to drop again to 10 doses in 2012. The following year, however, customs intercepted 715 doses and this year, 7,996.

Customs officials also report they have seized 49 grammes of powdered LSD so far this year. LSD in powder form is highly potent, and was likely intended to be used as a base for a liquid solution, either applied to blotter paper or taken orally in drops.

Rather than being smuggled into the country in someone’s luggage or on their person, the LSD in question was sent in the mail on all occasions.

RÚV helpfully adds that “LSD doses are on paper that have been painted with colorful pictures of, amongst others, Jimi Hendrix or the Beatles.”

According to Iceland’s The Science Web, there are no reported cases of someone fatally overdosing from LSD, nor is it addictive. It is not without its potentially negative effects, though. In particular, paranoia and depression in the short term are commonplace, and in the long term, research has shown that LSD can make existing mental illnesses worse.