Warning over 'high strength' MDMA at Electric Picnic

The Health Service Executive in Ireland (HSE) has issued a warning that high-strength MDMA pills are in circulation at the Electric Picnic Festival.

In a post on X, the HSE said the pills are causing medical emergencies, including fits.

The HSE has facilities at Electric Picnic to carry out on-site drug testing and drug disposal services to reduce harm for festival-goers.

Around 75,000 people are in Stradbally, County Laois, for Ireland's biggest annual music and arts festival.

'Safe spaces'

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 repercussions for those seeking help after taking a substance.

Speaking to Irish broadcaster RTÉ, she said they had seen "multiple samples" of MDMA on Friday that were higher strength than usual.

Ireland's Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drug Strategy, Colm Burke, said: “While it is always safer not use drugs, it is important from a public health perspective that we reduce the risks for those who chose to do so."

The HSE drugs.ie teams can be found in the main arena and in the Jimi Hendrix campsite from 11:00 to 21:00 local time all weekend.

What is MDMA?

The HSE said MDMA is the shortened chemical name for the synthetic psychoactive drug 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine.

It can come in powder or crystal form and is also the active ingredient expected to be found in ecstasy pills which come in a variety of colours and shapes.

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

Powders and crystals carry the same risk and can also contain unknown contents or be of high purity.