High strength MDMA pills at Electric Picnic 'pose extreme risk', HSE warns

"The HSE's Safer Nightlight Harm Reduction Programme is on-site at the Stradbally festival providing a free, confidential drug checking service, aimed at identifying drug trends and helping to reduce harm for users. Festivalgoers can surrender drugs for analysis at one of the two drugs.ie tents (located in the Electric Arena and Hendrix Campsite) or at medical spaces. They are "non-monitored safe spaces" where people can access harm reduction advice, helping them to look after themselves and others at Electric Picnic."

"Some 50 trained volunteers will also be delivering outreach services at festival campsites over the weekend, providing information and support on drug use and discussing drug market trends. Professor Eamon Keenan, the HSE National Clinic Lead in Addiction Services, said the programme is "the first of a kind in Ireland". "We have identified that this project not only benefits the public, but it is also a valuable asset to onsite medical services. Last summer, we worked with medics to identify MDMA pills which were leading to increases in seizures.""

"The alert issued on Friday evening warns of pills containing up to 300mg of MDMA, three times the typical dose for a tablet. "It's safer not to use drugs at all. You can never be sure of the contents or purity," the warning reads. "Don't be afraid to get medical help. Chat to the HSE at EP.""

An alert warns that pills at the festival can contain up to 300mg of MDMA, roughly three times a typical tablet dose. The HSE operates the Safer Nightlight Harm Reduction Programme on-site with free, confidential drug checking to identify trends and reduce harm. Festivalgoers can surrender substances for analysis at drugs.ie tents or medical spaces and access non-monitored safe spaces for advice. Around 50 trained volunteers will deliver outreach at campsites, offering information and support. Advice includes avoiding drug use, not using alone, starting with a small dose, not mixing substances, staying cool and hydrated, and seeking medical help when needed.

Read at Irish Independent