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Several illegal drugs are available on the Belgian market: heroin, cocaine, cannabis, LSD, amphetamines and derivatives. In this overview, a general description of these drugs and their pharmacological effects is provided. Because of their high popularity on the Belgian illicit drug market, special attention is given to the phenylethylamines. Aside from cannabis, these drugs are among the most widely produced, sold and (ab)used. The possible synthesis pathways (reductive amination, Leuckart reaction, nitropropene route, bromopropane route), the (ab)use and the difficulties for the Belgian government in controlling this illicit market is discussed in this overview. A reason for the huge success of phenylethylamines next to the name and fame of XTC, lies in the fact that these substances can be fabricated using nonregistered products (precursors) and that small modifications to the general structure make the drug 'not illegal' in Belgium. ispartof: FARMACEUTISCH TIJDSCHRIFT VOOR BELGIE vol:1 issue:1 pages:8-12 status: published