The HSE is warning of high-strength MDMA in circulation at Electric Picnic.
It issued a warning last night on screens at the festival and on the app, stating that the drug is causing medical emergencies, including fits.
The discovery was made via the anonymous drug surrender bins at tents run by the HSE at the festival.
Professor Eamonn Keenan from the HSE explains how the bins work.
“This is where an individual can submit a drug, which we will then test to determine the sample’s content, purity, and if there are any unusual intoxicants in it," he said.
"If we identify something unusual in that substance, we will be able to send out a message through the festival app, in conjunction with the festival promoters and the Gardaí, warning people about the risks and harms associated with, for example, a very high-strength MDMA.”
New drugs
Prof Keenan added that the HSE identified seven new drugs at last year’s festival.
“Last year, we received 90 samples in our drug surrender bins, and we issued risk communications in relation to high-strength ecstasy or cocaine,” he said.
Temperatures are expected to reach up to 20°C today, and festival-goers have been advised to wear suncream.
There’s plenty to look forward to on day two of Electric Picnic, with Calvin Harris and Kodaline taking to the Main Stage tonight.
On day three, Kylie Minogue and Raye are the headline acts.
Some 75,000 people are expected in Stradbally over the weekend.
Main image: A view of the main Electric Picnic stage in 2017. Picture by: Conal McSweeney
