The benzofuran compounds 6-APB and 5-APB were commonly found in ‘Benzo Fury’ which was sold in the form of:

• coloured tablets, which are called ‘pellets’
• a white or brown powder
• variously coloured capsules

Benzofuran compounds such as 6-APB and 5-APB can be swallowed or snorted in lines. The powder can also be rolled up in a cigarette paper and swallowed (sometimes referred to as ‘bombing’).

What are the effects?

Benzofuran compounds, such as 6-APB and 5-APB are similar to ecstasy and amphetamines (like speed), so you may experience:

• Feeling very up, alert, chatty and energised.
• Being ‘in tune’ with your surroundings
• Music and colours feeling more intense.
• Temporary feelings of love and affection for the people you’re with, including strangers.
• Physical effects such as dilated pupils, tingling feelings, tightening of the jaw muscles, raised body temperature, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and insomnia.

See the speed and ecstasy pages for more details.

What are the risks of benzofuran compunds?

Benzofuran compounds such as 6-APB and 5-APB are similar to ecstasy and amphetamines (like speed), so risks may include:

• Anxiety, panic attacks, confused states, agitation or aggression, paranoid feelings and even psychosis (a serious loss of reality).
• Dilated pupils, tingling feelings, tightening of the jaw muscles, raised body temperature, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and insomnia.
• A ‘comedown’ (experienced when you stop taking the drug) may last a number of days – with feelings of tiredness and low mood.
• Research suggests a potential risk of heart damage associated with long-term use of 5- and 6-APB.
• Several deaths in the UK and Sweden have been linked with drugs in the APB family, including 6-APB.

Impurities

Not aware of any evidence that shows that benzofuran compounds are being cut (having powders added to bulk them up and increase profits) or that they have been contaminated during production and shipment. However can never really be sure what you are buying contains what it says it does

Can you get addicted to benzofuran compounds?

It is likely that addiction is a risk with regular use. Benzofuran compounds are similar to drugs like ecstasy and amphetamines that can be addictive. Hence, it’s reasonable to assume that you could become addicted to benzofuran compounds, such as 6-APB or 5-APB and could suffer similar withdrawal symptoms seen with speed and ecstasy if used regularly.

Are benzofuran compounds illegal?

The benzofuran compounds 5-APB, 6-APB, 5-APDB and 6-APDB were banned by the Government under a temporary class drug order to allow drug experts to consider how safe they were. They recommend that these and other benzofuran compounds should be controlled as class B drugs.

The government accepted this recommendation and benzofuran compounds have been controlled as class B drugs since Tuesday 10 June 2014. This means that it is illegal to have, sell, supply or give away these substances to friends.

What if you’re caught?

If the Police arrest you in possession of benzofuran compounds, they’ll always take some action. This could include a formal caution, arrest and prosecution. Having benzofuran compounds for your own use (called possession) could result in up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. While selling or giving benzofuran compounds away for free, even to friends, (called supplying) could result in up to fourteen years in prison.

A conviction for a drug-related offence could have a serious impact. It could make it harder, even impossible, to visit certain countries – for example the United States – and limit the types of jobs you can apply for.

Did you know?

• Like drinking and driving, driving while under the influence of drugs is illegal – with some drugs you can still be unfit to drive the day after using. You can get a heavy fine, be disqualified from driving or even go to prison.
• Allowing other people to supply drugs in your house or any other premises is illegal. If the police catch people supplying illegal drugs in a club they can potentially prosecute the landlord, club owner or any person concerned in the management of the premises.