27/11/2025
NSW Health is warning the community of the risks of illicit drug use after detecting two substances of concern recently.
- The first warning concerns multiple M**A (ecstasy) tablets and capsules containing a higher dose than usually circulates in tested community samples.
- Ketamine-like substances, or analogues, have also been detected in white powder and crystalline matter.
Both substances were detected by the NSW Government’s drug checking trial at last weekend’s Strawberry Fields event in Tocumwal, in Southern NSW.
No festival attendees experienced an overdose requiring hospitalisation, and one drug warning was issued to patrons on Friday night for the M**A tablets.
NSW Health is concerned the substances are still in circulation and drug checking, through the NSW Government’s drug checking trial, will be available at the Hypersonic music event taking place at Sydney Showground in western Sydney this Saturday.
NSW Health Chief Addiction Medicine Specialist, Dr Hester Wilson said it was also concerning it will be hot this weekend, with temperatures expected to be in the 30’s.
“High doses of M**A can cause severe agitation, raised body temperature, seizures or fits, irregular heart rhythm and death,” Dr Wilson said.
“These risks are greatly increased if M**A is used with other stimulants, such as amphetamines or co***ne, or if high amounts are consumed over a short period.
“The amount of M**A in a tablet or capsule can vary significantly, even within the same batch.”
“Hot environments, such as at music festivals, increase the risk of harm from M**A. Taking a break from dancing, seeking shade and drinking water are important measures to reduce the risk of overheating.”
There have also been detections of ketamine analogues in white powders and crystalline substance expected to contain ketamine or amphetamine. Ketamine analogues copy ketamine’s chemical makeup but can produce different effects, including stronger dissociation or hallucinations.
Ketamine-like substances, or analogues, can cause seizures and irregular heart rhythm. There is potential for greater harm if the ketamine analogue is taken in combination with depressant drugs, such as alcohol, GHB, benzodiazepines, or opioids, or with stimulants (such as methamphetamine, co***ne or M**A).
“If you or a friend has taken drugs and feel unwell, you won't get into trouble for seeking medical care. Please seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000),” said Dr Wilson.
At music festivals there are experienced onsite medical providers and teams of well-trained peer volunteers from programs such as DanceWize NSW who are ready to support you at many major festivals. Other event staff are also trained to help patrons.
For more information about staying safe, including the warning signs to seek help, see https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/getting-help/Pages/Stay-OK.aspx
For information about the potential adverse effects of M**A, please contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
For support and information with alcohol, M**A and other drugs, please contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 1800 250 015. This is a 24/7 service offering confidential and anonymous telephone counselling and information.
NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) also provides a range of harm minimisation resources and advice and can be reached on 1800 644 413.
NSW public drug warnings are available at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aod/public-drug-alerts/Pages/default.aspx
Images and more information are available here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/drugalerts
