Drug trend updates and warnings

We will keep this section updated with relevant local and European trends of concern. We will also store HSE advisory notices and warnings when they are issued.

Irish updates and warnings 2024

High strength MDMA pills, powders and crystals can increase the risks for people attending festivals this summer, June 2024. This communication was issued following the analysis of MDMA products. See this update here
Nitazene alert following overdose clusters in the Mid-West, Dublin and Galway Regions, June 2024. This alert was issued following the detection of nitazenes in yellow tablets. Find out more here
Benzodiazepine Risk Communication for service providers, April 2024. This communication highlights concern for New Psychoactive Substances being sold as counterfit tablets on the Irish market. Download here
Nitazene alert for the prison setting, March 2024: The HSE extended a Red Alert to Irish Prison settings following a small number of related overdoses. Find out more here
Nitazene alert regarding new batches of powder, February 2024: Find out more here
On-going concern for synthetic cannabinoids sold as herbal, vape and edible products. Learn about synthetic cannabinoids here.

Irish updates and warnings 2023

Nitazene alert for people who use heroin, November 2023: HSE Press release: Nitazenes detected in heroin samples related to Dublin Overdose cluster
Festival alerts, October 2023: Results from HSE Safer Nightlife Programme
Alerts from Life Festival, May 2023: Information on ketamine, cocaine and an MDMA pill
Synthetic cannabinoid alert for edibles products January 2023: HSE risk communication on the adulteration of cannabis jellies with synthetic cannabinoids

Irish updates and drug warnings 2022

Alerts from Electric Picnic, September 2022: Updates from 'back of house' drug monitoring at Electric Picnic 2022
MDMA update, February 2022: MDMA trends update

Harm reduction

Get harm reduction on our site here.