Mary Schenk of the News-Gazette reports that use of the drug Ecstasy is up among college students.

A dangerous campus combination

OK, parents of college students. As the semester begins, you’ve undoubtedly discussed the do’s and don’ts with your child.

No running over on the cellphone data plan. Never overdraw on the checking account. Eat right. Don’t mix whites with blue jeans in the washer. Go to class daily.

But how about: Beware of Ecstasy — or “Molly,” as the increasingly popular drug is known on campus?

If you haven’t covered that base, it’s time.

“We’ve noticed an alarming increase in the rate of dealing with users. I’ve noticed it in the last few years, especially with underclassmen, 18 to 20,” said University of Illinois Police Detective Sgt. Joe McCullough.

A police officer for 14 years, McCullough has specialized in drug investigations for about half his career and is currently part of a team of five UI detectives who work drug and other street crimes.

While it may not be as commonly abused as alcohol or heroin at present, Ecstasy — or MDMA — is easily obtainable and can be very dangerous.

A man-made stimulant, Ecstasy comes in brightly colored pills or capsules, some with special markings that users believe might be better than others. Because users like to take them before listening to live music, they are referred to generically as “club drugs.”

Court records reveal some of Champaign County’s more noteworthy MDMA arrests in the past couple of years happened in the vicinity of The Canopy Club, 708 S. Goodwin Ave., U, a popular live music venue.

In February 2013, five people were arrested in the parking deck of the Krannert Center in Urbana after police found them with cocaine, cannabis, LSD, nitrous oxide, and about $23,000 worth of Ecstasy. They planned to sell those to Canopy Club concert-goers. Three of the five suburban Chicago residents were sentenced to 12, nine, and fours years in prison; two received probation.