HSE warns of pink cocaine, triple-strength MDMA and new ketamine strain during festival season

Health authorities in Ireland have issued warnings about the emergence of highly potent and potentially lethal new drugs circulating among festival-goers ahead of the summer festival season. The Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed that between 2021 and 2025, 57 previously unknown substances have been detected within the country, including variants of popular illicit drugs such as pink cocaine, triple-strength MDMA, and a novel ketamine derivative known as 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine. These substances pose serious risks to users due to their increased potency and unpredictable chemical compositions. Dr. Eamon Keenan, the HSE's lead on addiction issues, discussed the growing concerns during an interview on RTÉ Radio 1’s Brendan O’Connor show. He emphasized the dramatic evolution of the drug landscape in recent years, noting that many of the substances currently available are either entirely new or significantly altered versions of existing ones. Among the most alarming developments is the presence of so-called "pink cocaine," a substance that does not actually contain cocaine but instead includes a cocktail of other compounds such as MDMA, ketamine, and cathinones, chemicals that mimic the effects of stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines. Keenan clarified that "pink cocaine" is a misnomer used by dealers to attract buyers. It is composed of multiple ingredients, typically ranging from five to six different substances, none of which include actual cocaine. This mixture can produce unpredictable effects depending on the specific combination present in each batch. The lack of standardization makes it particularly hazardous for users who may not be aware of the true composition of the substance they are consuming. In addition to pink cocaine, the HSE has also raised alarms about the increasing strength of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy. Recent tests have revealed that some tablets now contain up to 300 milligrams of the drug, compared to approximately 60 to 80 milligrams found in similar products a decade ago. This increase in potency heightens the risk of overdose and severe adverse reactions. Keenan urged individuals considering using such substances to adopt caution, advising them to start with small doses and to always inform others of their intentions. Another concern involves the newly identified ketamine variant, 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine, which is reportedly more powerful than traditional ketamine. This drug can induce profound dissociation, leading users into states described as "K-holes," where they lose awareness of their surroundings. Prolonged use of this compound may result in long-term mental health complications and physical ailments affecting the urinary system. Synthetic cannabinoids, specifically hexahydrocannabinol, have also drawn attention due to their heightened potency compared to natural cannabis. These substances can trigger intense psychoactive experiences and are associated with a higher likelihood of adverse side effects. As part of its efforts to combat the spread of these dangerous drugs, the HSE has deployed teams to major festivals this summer. These teams provide on-site drug testing services, allowing attendees to submit samples for analysis. Results are typically available within 15 minutes, enabling rapid dissemination of critical safety information to festivalgoers via mobile applications. Authorities continue to monitor the evolving drug landscape closely, emphasizing the importance of public education and immediate medical intervention should users experience any negative symptoms after consumption. With the festival season approaching, the HSE remains vigilant in its mission to protect public health against the dangers posed by these increasingly complex and perilous substances.