The Health Service Executive has issued a warning regarding high-strength MDMA pills in circulation at the Electric Picnic festival.
In an update on X, the HSE said the high-strength 'Blue Punisher' MDMA pills are in circulation with some pills being over twice the average dose.
It said there is an "extreme risk of these causing medical emergencies".
HSE Drugs Update - High strength 'Blue Punisher' MDMA pills are in circulation at @EPfestival These are varying in strength between 190mg and 260mg. There is an extreme risk of these causing medical emergencies. It's safer not to use drugs at all but if you do #StartLowGoSlow pic.twitter.com/fsTI7Cb2cU
— HSE Drugs.ie (@drugsdotie) August 17, 2024
Ahead of the festival, gardaí issued a warning to those attending Electric Picnic about the danger of illegal drugs following concern over the rise of synthetic drugs in Ireland.
Around 75,000 people are in Stradbally, Co Laois, for Ireland's biggest annual music and arts festival.
Yesterday, the HSE issued a similar warning about high-strength MDMA pills which were causing medical emergencies, including fits.
High strength MDMA pills are in circulation at @EPfestival . These are causing medical emergencies, including fits. It's safer not to use drugs at all but if you do #StartlowGoslow mind yourself and care for others. #ReduceTheHarmshttps://t.co/233FOhoCdT pic.twitter.com/vsJ6bmRj0m
— HSE Drugs.ie (@drugsdotie) August 16, 2024
Nicki Killeen from the HSE's Harm Reduction Safer Nightlife programme said all medical tents at Electric Picnic are "safe spaces" and there are no reprecussions for those seeking help after taking a substance.
Speaking to RTÉ's 2FM, she said they had seen "multiple samples" of MDMA yesterday that were higher strength than ususal.
Ms Killeen said the drug market had changed in recent years and one MDMA pill might now contain "too much MDMA for one person".
Ms Killeen said the HSE's core message was that while it is safer not to use drugs at all, for anyone who does use them to consider the HSE's harm reduction steps and to seek help if they are concerned.
She said they have a tent in the main arena and they will be present across the festival all weekend.
