Festival-goers on both sides of the border are being warned of drugs dangers including high-strength MDMA and so-called ‘pink cocaine’ at festivals this summer.
A joint warning has ahead of festival season has been issued by the Public Health Agency (PHA) in the north and the Republic’s Health Service Executive (HSE), in a bid to reduce the risks of drug-related harm.
It follows research through engagement with readers of online Irish dance music site Four Four Magazine.
Both health agencies are cautioning people over MDMA (ecstasy), one of the most popular festival drugs.
They said over 40% of MDMA tested by the HSE last year contained over twice the average adult dose, placing users at severe risk.
“Adding MDMA powders to drinks carries extra risk and is a concern for the PHA and HSE,” the agencies have warned.
They said pink powders sold as ‘pink cocaine’ – identified in the research as the main emerging drugs issue – “rarely contain cocaine and often include a mixture of ketamine and new drugs, making it unpredictable”.
The cross-border warning comes after members of Belfast City Council last month backed drug testing facilities at festival sites.
The PHA’s Stephanie Hanlon said: “The collaboration with the HSE is a significant step in having a coordinated harm reduction response to substance use across the island.”
She continued: “Over the coming months people will travel north and south for festivals and gigs. These occasions should be memorable for the right reasons and we want everyone to enjoy themselves and get home safely. While it’s safest not to use drugs at all, we know that some people may choose to use substances at festivals and events, so our priority is to help reduce the possible harm.”