The HSE has warned people who plan to use illicit drugs that come in powder or crystal forms over the St Patrick's Day weekend to be on alert, as they may contain dangerous substances.
It said that substances known as 'pink powder' drugs, which can contain a mixture of narcotics, are particularly worrying.
"People that are buying these powders possibly think that it is coloured cocaine, when in fact, it has extra risk because it could contain up to five different types of drugs in that one powder," said HSE Emerging Drug Trends Manager Nicki Killeen.
Ms Killeen called for a greater awareness of pink powder drugs ahead of the St Patrick's Day weekend.
She said the new trend of pink powders called pink cocaine or tuci is particularly concerning because they contain a number of drugs - some of which have never been detected in the State before.
Often, they contain ketamine as a baseline, she explained, and new drugs are also put into these powders along with bulking agents and other substances.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, she said they have discovered new drugs in these powders, including 3-MMC and a drug - 2-FMA - that has never been detected before in Ireland.
"Often they contain ketamine as a baseline with a range of bulking agents and different substances. And of concern, what we are seeing in Ireland is new drugs in these powders."
In addition, the HSE has concerns over high-strength MDMA as well, Ms Killeen added.
We have issued a number of alerts on pills, she said.
She explained that their harm reduction message is to urge people to start "really low" if they do choose to use.
However, the greatest challenge is that younger people have progressed to powder and crystals rather than pills, and one bag of crystal MDMA could contain several adult doses, which makes it difficult for them to give accurate information, Ms Killeen explained.
We have also found that young people are putting these drugs into drinks, she said, and the message for this weekend is to be aware of the potency and avoid these practices that increase the chance of an emergency or a fatality.
Ms Killeen added that the message is obviously not to use drugs, but the HSE does know that use is occurring across all strands of society and age demographics, and they do suspect that there will be high levels of use this weekend and need to raise awareness of the strength of these drugs and changes to the drug market.
"We know that use is occurring across pubs, clubs, house settings, and this is the same for this weekend.
"So at the moment, we're trying to create awareness of some of the current drug market changes in relation to powders and high-strength drugs. So, people are aware this weekend in terms of the extra risks that we feel are there at the moment."
'If it's pink, stop and think'
In a statement, the HSE said that the Irish drug market has changed and all powders, crystals and pills are of concern, adding that even small amounts can be highly potent.
"Ahead of St Patrick's Day weekend, the HSE is issuing new information for anyone who uses powder and crystal forms of drugs in Ireland. Results from powders and crystals analysed in the HSE’s Emerging Drug Trend Laboratory highlight risks for people who use these forms of drugs in nightlife settings."
It also said that there have been deaths in Ireland and the UK associated with powders and crystals.
The statement warned: "If it’s pink, stop and think."
"The HSE also has concerns about batches of pink powder, which can vary in contents. One powder was analysed and found to contain six substances, with other samples containing a drug never identified before in Ireland (2-FMA).
"Each batch of pink powder can differ in contents, meaning those purchasing are unaware of the contents, potency and risks. The HSE also warns that what is sold as 'pink cocaine’ most often does not contain any cocaine, but a ketamine mixture."
