Super-strong pills containing three times the normal dose of MDMA are circulating New Zealand - and it's sparked a warning before New Year's Eve.
KnowYourStuffNZ has identified several pills during its testing, saying they're likely to be found around the country over the holiday period.
"A common dose of MDMA is around 80-120 milligrams, depending upon a user's body weight. These pills contain up to three doses in a single pill," a post on the KnowYourStuffNZ website says.
"These pills should be approached with caution. Users are advised that the only way to guarantee safety is to not take them. For those who do choose to take them, our recommendation is to only take a third of a pill at most, and wait at least an hour before considering taking any more."
Taking too much MDMA can result in a very unpleasant experience, health risks, and sometimes even death.
"If you or someone you know has taken one of these pills and experiences dizziness and vomiting, a sharp rise in body temperature, muscle cramping, heart palpitations, seizures, or unconsciousness, seek medical attention immediately," KnowYourStuffNZ says.
These suspected high dose pills include:
Blue New Yorker
Description: Light blue/turquoise, round, quite thick, NY logo on front, dividing line on reverse.
Contents: Estimated to contain 250-300mg MDMA.
White CNN
Description: White, rectangular with rounded corners, CNN logo on front.
Contents: Estimated to contain 300mg MDMA.
Pink Mitsubishi
Description: Pink, round, quite thick, Mitsubishi logo on front, plain on reverse.
Contents: Estimated to contain 250-300mg MDMA. Warning: this pill also contains an estimated 90mg of caffeine. This is the equivalent of about two strong cups of coffee and will add to the stimulant effect of these pills and increase the risk of heart problems or stimulant-induced psychosis.
Blue Punisher
Description: Light blue, triangular with two corners cut off, Punisher logo on front, dividing line on reverse.
Contents: Estimated to contain 300mg MDMA.
Yellow Ironman
Description: Bright yellow, oval, Ironman logo on front, dividing line vertical on reverse.
Contents: Estimated to contain 250mg MDMA.
