Festival fans warned over 'pink powder' drugs

As thousands of music fans look forward to summer festivals, health experts have warned of the dangers of taking new drugs known as "pink powders".

The drugs are also sometimes referred to as "pink cocaine" but according to Northern Ireland's Public Health Agency (PHA) the powders rarely contain cocaine.

In reality, the powders are often a mix of very high-strength MDMA, ketamine and other substances.

"We really want to highlight to people - if it's pink, stop and think," said Dr Denise O'Hagan from the PHA.

She explained that consuming a mix of different drugs in unknown quantities is particularly risky and can have lethal consequences.

O'Hagan pointed out there were 251 drug-related deaths in Northern Ireland last year and in many of those cases, the deceased had consumed a mix of substances.

"Now, that was spread throughout the year [among] all age groups and all sorts of events - it certainly wasn't all linked to festivals," she acknowledged.

But she added that when people consume a combination various substances, including taking drugs with alcohol, then "that's when these dangers arise".

With a host of upcoming summer festivals across the island of Ireland, the PHA worked with the Republic's Health Service Executive (HSE) to identify "emerging drugs trends" on both sides of the border.

The aim is to improve their communication about dangerous substances in a bid to keep gig goers safe.

The warnings about pink powders and high-strength MDMA was issued earlier this week as a result of recent testing by HSE Emerging Drug Trends Lab.

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

It is the active ingredient in ecstasy pills but it can also come in powder or crystal form.

Last year, more than 40% of the MDMA tested in the lab contained over twice the average adult dose.

Ketamine, which has also been detected in pink powers, is a powerful anaesthetic which has become a popular recreational drug because of its hallucinogenic effects.

However, long-term misuse of Ketamine can cause serious and sometimes permanent damage to the bladder.

The HSE's Emerging Drug Trends Manager Nicki Killeen said high-strength drugs "are an increasing concern across the island".

"Our message is simple: while it is safer not to use, we encourage those who choose to use to take time to understand the risks, know what supports are available, and know where to go for help wherever you are."

The PHA also takes the position that all illegal drug taking poses a risk to health.

But the agency said it too recognises that some people "choose to use substances at festivals and events and so our priority is to help reduce the possible harm".

"If they are taking substances they really should stay with friends, look after their friends, look out for each other," O'Hagan told the BBC's Evening Extra programme.

She advised anyone experiencing harmful effects of drugs "to seek urgent help from the medical tent at some of these events or to call 999 in a real emergency".

O'Hagan also urged parents, grandparents and guardians to discuss possible exposure to drugs with younger family members before they attend festivals.

"Talking to them about these concerns; ensuring that they have a safe way home and that they area aware of the risks is really important," she said.

Over the past few years, fans heading to the Electric Picnic festival in County Laois have been able to submit samples of drugs for "confidential" testing on site.

The pilot programme was introduced in 2022, when "surrender bins" were placed around the venue so drugs could be analysed for potency and possible contamination.

It was described as a "pragmatic" approach which would allow health officials to warn the public if they detect a particularly dangerous batch in circulation at a gig.

O'Hagan said the idea is being talked about "quite a lot" in Northern Ireland.

"There's a lot of interest in it and the Public Heath Agency is very open to working with other partners to explore what can be done in relation to that," she said.

"It's quite a complex issue around licensing and legislation etc, but there are ongoing discussions."