Warning issued about high-dose MDMA

The Irish Health Service (HSE) has issued a warning that highly potent MDMA pills are in circulation at the Electric Picnic Festival.

In a post on X, the HSE said the pills were causing medical emergencies, including seizures.

The HSE has facilities at Electric Picnic to provide on-site drug testing and drug disposal services to reduce the risk to festival goers.

About 75,000 people live in Stradbally, County Laois, for Ireland's largest annual music and arts festival.

Nicki Killeen, from the HSE's Harm Reduction Safer Nightlife programme, said all the medical tents at Electric Picnic were “safe spaces” and there were no consequences for those seeking help after using a substance.

Speaking to Irish broadcaster RTÉ, she said they had seen “several samples” of MDMA on Friday that showed a higher concentration than usual.

Irish Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and National Drug Strategy Colm Burke said: “While it is always safer not to take drugs, from a public health perspective it is important that we reduce the risks for those who choose to do so.”

HSE drugs.ie teams will be present at the main arena and Jimi Hendrix campsite from 11am-9pm local time throughout the weekend.

According to the HSE, MDMA is the chemical abbreviation for the synthetic psychotropic drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine.

It is available in powder or crystal form and is probably also the active ingredient in ecstasy pills, which come in many different colors and shapes.

Although the pills may look the same, contents and purity may vary even among pills from the same batch.

Powders and crystals carry the same risk and may also contain unknown ingredients or a high level of purity.