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UMass has cancelled this dance party concert because of concerns about the drug MDMA or Molly, a drug that been blamed for several deaths.

(Concert promotion photo)

AMHERST — The University of Massachusetts has canceled an electric dance party at the Mullins Center on Sept. 21 because of concerns about the drug MDMA, known as Molly.



The cancellation of "Return to Fantazia" at the campus arena follows several Molly-related deaths that have been associated with electronic dance parties at venues in New England and New York.

“In an effort to better understand and respond to these current set of circumstances, venues in the area and universities in the region are canceling these events and proactively educating their communities about the dangers of Molly,” said Enku Gelaye, interim vice chancellor for student affairs and campus life at UMass Amherst in a statement. “We are broadly engaged in that effort and will be taking the next few weeks to further that conversation on this campus.”

In an email to students, Gelaye advised students about the dangers associated with Molly and noted that the drug is a dangerous, illegal stimulant prohibited by the UMass Amherst Code of Student Conduct. Several campus offices, including University Health Services, the Center for Health Promotion, the Dean of Students Office and the police department are helping to disseminate information about Molly and its effects. Molly is a pure form of ecstasy.

"We, along with the University, felt that, at this particular time, in light of recent incidents, that it would be in everyone's best interest to cancel this particular show," said Ike Richman, vice president for public relations at Comcast-Spectacor, which manages the Mullins Center. "It's unfortunate as we know a lot of people have been looking forward to it, but we all felt it was what needed to be done at this time."

Earlier this year, the town's Fire Department transported 19 people attending an electronic dance show at the Mullins Center to area hospitals with alcohol- and drug-related issues.

“That’s pretty huge,” said Fire Chief Tim Nelson of the show’s cancellation.

He understands for Mullins Center management “they’re stuck between a rock and hard place. You can’t have “Disney On Ice” five nights a week. This is what sells. It’s a tough call.” But he said he thinks the decision is prudent.

“In the grand scheme, if you know it’s going to attract really bad behavior and bad choices this might be how you address it.”

He said the drug has been around for three or four years. “It’s the drug of choice at the raves, or ecstasy mixed with alcohol.”

“We've seen a resurgence in LSD,” he said.

“It’s a prudent thing (to do.) “The bigger issue is how to stop these kids from wanting to do these drugs. That’s above my pay grade.”

Boston police said earlier this month they were concerned there may be a bad batch of the drug being sold in the Northeast. There were multiple overdoses in Massachusetts and New York. Three overdosed at the House of Blues club in Boston, including a college student from New Hampshire who died.

In a letter to students, Gelaye wrote “We don't make these decisions lightly and do so with a clear focus.” But she wrote the drug “is a dangerous, illegal stimulant. Although the name, packaging and reputation appear innocuous, the drug can lead to hypothermia and result in serious heart and kidney problems or even death.

“The event cancellation gives our community the opportunity to better understand Molly-related dangers by using campus resources and by talking to each other about the realities of this illegal substance. While we can't cancel and ward off every potential issue, we can get better informed, support each other with good clear information and encourage better decision making in our respective communities," Gelaye wrote.