By Adrian Gonzalez Ciudad Juarez

Almost half of the immigrants that are caught crossing the border between Mexico and the United States are under the influence of stimulant pills, says a new report. The report released by the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, suggests that an increasing number of immigrants have taken "triple stacks," also called ECA stacks--a pill that contains ephedrine, caffeine, and aspirin.

The report has also shows an increase in the number of deaths in immigrants crossing the border and use of the stimulant drug is being blamed for this rise. One reason for this increase is the illegal traffic of people across the border by smugglers, who give immigrants the pill to provide them with the energy to walk the deserts of Arizona and Texas in temperatures exceeding 40°C.

Ephedrine causes vasoconstriction, bronchodilation, an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac contractile force, and studies suggest it increases the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and sudden death.

Drugs based on ephedrine are used by millions of Americans to promote weight loss and increase physical performance during exercise. But in high temperatures the dangers of the drug are exacerbated by the increased risk of dehydration and heat stroke.

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