HSE issues urgent drug warning ahead of Bank Holiday and festival season

Important information to know.

As thousands of people in Ireland are expected to travel across the border in both directions to attend festivals this summer, the agencies are highlighting the increased drug risks at this time.

These are due to both high-strength MDMA, as well as new drugs that are in circulation, such as pink powders (also known as "pink cocaine", "tusi" or "tuci").

In a statement on Thursday, 28 May - ahead of the June Bank Holiday - the HSE Emerging Drug Trends Manager, Nicki Killeen, said: “High-strength drugs are an increasing concern across the island of Ireland.

"This is also a concern for people travelling to Northern Ireland, the UK and throughout Europe."

According to the HSE, over 40% of MDMA (pills, powders and crystals) analysed by its Emerging Drug Trends Lab last year contained over twice the average adult dose (over 200mg).

The health service also says it is concerned about people adding MDMA powders to drinks, as this carries extra risk.

"Healthcare professionals have raised concerns around the risk of serious bladder damage... linked to long-term use of ketamine," the HSE and the PHA said.

"If it’s pink, stop and think; pink powders, often called ‘pink cocaine’, rarely contain cocaine and often include a mixture of ketamine and new drugs, making [them] unpredictable.

"Drug potency and contents will be different on drug markets across Europe."

The public health bodies are collaborating to raise awareness of current drug trends. This is to help reduce drug-related harms and increased risks associated with people travelling to events.

Speaking about the collaboration, Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE’s National Clinical Lead for Addiction services, said: “As more people travel for festivals and dance events, it’s important to recognise that the drug market has changed and you may come in contact with different drug trends in different locations."

The HSE also adds: "Our message is simple: while it is safer not to use, we encourage those who choose to use to take time to understand the risks, know what supports are available and know where to go for help wherever you are."

Research

The joint warning is informed by new national research findings, which the health agencies say "capture the attitudes and behaviours of nightlife participants across Ireland".

Findings from engagement with the Four/Four dance magazine community found that 89% of respondents stated that drug use occurs in their peer groups when travelling to attend festivals.

When asked about new drug trends in nightlife, 73% identified pink powders as the main emerging issue.

27.5%, meanwhile, reported that cathinones (mephedrone, 3MMC) are now used in nightlife settings, reflecting patterns across the rest of Europe.

MDMA and ketamine were the substances most commonly discussed among the dance community, alongside the emergence of ketamine analogues.

Stephanie Hanlon, Joint Regional Lead for Substance Use at the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland, added: "It is, of course, safer not to use drugs at all; however, we know that some people may choose to use substances at festivals, and our priority is to help reduce the possible harm.

“You never know for sure what you may be taking, and the danger increases if you mix more than one substance.

"It’s also easy to forget that alcohol itself is a powerful drug, and mixing any drugs, including mixing with alcohol, can be unpredictable and dangerous.

"Small decisions like drinking water, not mixing substances and looking after our friends can make a big difference to staying safe.’’

For further information, advice, and support, visit the Drug and Alcohol Information and Support in Ireland and see their Facebook page.

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