The National Crime Agency is warning British festival-goers about a drug that has been related to over 100 deaths worldwide. The ecstasy-like substance is being produced in China and authorities fear that it continues to circulate in the UK.
A worldwide ban on the drug has been ordered by the United Nations (UN). However Chinese factories making this and other illegal psychoactive drugs seem to have maintained supply of the drug.
The drug is often wrongly sold as Ecstasy because it smells and looks like MDMA. However the effects of the Chinese drug are alarming. The National Crime Agency (NCA) warns that it may cause users to have psychotic episodes as well as bouts of anxiety and paranoia. Reports suggest that days without sleep can also occur after taking the drug.
A professor from Durham University, Fiona Measham carried out tests on Ecstasy and found that 1 in 20 tablets contained N-Ethylnorpentylone. She reported that tests proved that generally, one in five illegal drugs in this country were not what they were claimed to be.
The substitutes included boric acid, which is normally a drain cleaner, and powdered malaria tablets which were being offered a cocaine. However, Professor Measham suggested that the number one problem was N-Ethylnorpentylone, with this dangerous drug being prominent at festivals in New Zealand and other countries.
A big worry with this new drug is that, potentially, users may take it and think that it is weak MDMA, so they take more. This then could cause a fatal overdose of the drug.
It is hoped that the UN ban on the drug will curb supplies. However, as has already been seen with Spice, a synthetic cannabinoid, modified strains of the drug continue to appear, in order to circumvent the UN ban.
How To Stay Safe At Festivals
Festival season brings music, fun, and unfortunately, drug risks. Don’t rely on a dealer’s word about what you’re buying. Even your friends might not know what’s really in those pills.
Test kits save lives. They’re easy to use and can tell you if your pill contains dangerous substances like N-Ethylnorpentylone instead of MDMA. Several UK festivals now offer drug testing tents where you can check substances anonymously.
If you or your friends decide to take something, follow these simple rules:
- Start with a quarter dose and wait at least 2 hours before taking more
- Drink water regularly, but not more than one pint per hour
- Take breaks from dancing in cool areas
- Tell friends what you’ve taken
- If someone feels unwell, get medical help immediately
Remember: security staff and medical teams at festivals prioritise your safety over punishment. They’ve seen it all before and won’t judge you for seeking help.
Photo by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
This post was originally published in 2019. It was last updated in March 2025.
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
