Western Region Drugs Task Force Notification
Recent reports concerning Ecstasy type substances.
Points of Information : 26th May 2014
In recent weeks press reports have appeared concerning a range of ‘Ecstasy type’ substances. There has been a number of hospitalisations and fatalities linked to their use. These substances may be sold as Ecstasy (MDMA) itself or as an alternative drug having similar effects.
Further points of information:
• Ecstasy (MDMA) may potentially be of greater strength (increased purity) than has been common over the past few years.
• Ecstasy tablets now come in an even wider variety of shapes, colours and sizes than previously seen. Examples include: Green apples, Green Rolexes, Ninjas, Superman crests, Blue stars, Dominos, Crosses, Hearts and Ghosts.
• Substances sold as Ecstasy may have other potentially dangerous substances added, such as PMA or PMMA.
• The European early warning system (EMCDDA) has highlighted other new substances such as MDPV or 5-IT (often marketed as ‘Benzo fury’). These may also be sold as Ecstasy. They have been connected to over 100 fatalities across the European Union.
• The warning system has also highlighted concerns about LSD-type substances called 25I-NBOMe (slang terms include : N-bombs); a Ketamine-type substance called Methoxetamine (Slang terms include : Mexxy, M-cat) and a synthetic opioid called AH-7921
• Anecdotal reports have also been received concerning new combinations of drugs with street names such as ‘Scuzz’. This may refer to a ‘cocktail’ that has been produced with the different combined or the sale of the different elements together in one package.
If someone continues to use drugs they should be offered harm reduction advice:
• Only use a small amount in order to gauge the effects over several hours.
• Drink water regularly and avoid mixing any drug with alcohol.
• Using a combination of drugs can be unpredictable.
• Make sure that a non-drug taking friend knows what you are using.
• Injecting any drug increases the risks involved.
• Sharing equipment increases the risks involved, especially the transmission of infection such as HIV and Hepatitis
(adapted from Legal or Illegal Highs. HSE. June 2012)
Advice and support is always available from :
HSE Drugs service (Tel : 1800 459 459) or www.drugs.ie<http://www.drugs.ie>
(WITH thanks to Alan McMenamin for the notice).