HSE issues stark warning for 'pink powder' drugs ahead of St Patrick’s Day weekend

Ahead of St Patrick’s Day weekend, the HSE is issuing new information for anyone who uses powder and crystal forms of drugs in Ireland.

Results from powders and crystals analysed in the HSE’s Emerging Drug Trend Laboratory highlight risks for people who use these forms of drugs in nightlife settings.

The HSE has previously issued alerts for high strength MDMA pills, containing dangerously high amounts of MDMA (over 300mg), which is typically over three times the average adult dose.

READ NEXT: 'Role model' and Irish Olympic champion Ronnie Delany dies aged 91

Powder and crystal forms of MDMA

The HSE is also aware of shifts in use from pills to powders and crystals, which also carry the same risk. Powders and crystal forms of MDMA are now more common than pills among young people.

Analytical results show that MDMA powders and crystals in Ireland are extremely potent. This increases the risk of people taking too much too quickly while not realising how much they are taking, which can lead to an emergency.

Putting powders and crystals into drinks can greatly increase the risks. If the powders or crystals do not fully dissolve, MDMA can collect at the bottom of the drink meaning a large amount may be consumed at once.

Small amounts can contain more MDMA than people realise. For this reason, we are reinforcing our message to ‘start low, go slow’.

The HSE advice to young people is to avoid adding MDMA to drinks because you cannot predict how much you are taking.

READ NEXT: Weather warnings in place as experts warn of a 'good few hours' of strong winds and rain

If it’s pink, stop and think!

The HSE also has concerns about batches of pink powder which can vary in contents. One powder was analysed and found to contain 6 substances, with other samples containing a drug never identified before in Ireland (2-FMA).

Each batch of pink powder can differ in contents, meaning those purchasing are unaware of the contents, potency and risks. The HSE also warns that what is sold as ‘pink cocaine’ most often does not contain any cocaine, but a ketamine mixture.

Dr David Weir, HSE Consultant Psychiatrist specialising in addiction said;

“Our core message is that it is safer not to use drugs at all as there will always be risks. However, our analysis shows that there is currently extra risk for those who use drugs in nightlife. We need young people to understand that high strength MDMA and pink powders can also lead to a drug emergency for you or your friends.”

Nicki Killeen, HSE Emerging Drug Trends Manager, HSE added;

“We want to help protect the health and wellbeing of young people. Substance analysis is an important public health tool that can help us identify emerging drug trends and provide harm reduction advice to people who use drugs in new ways.’’

READ NEXT: Driver in his 40s killed in early morning collision as Gardaí urge witnesses to come forward

New harm reduction resources from HSE Drugs.ie

In response to these latest dangerous drugs trends, the HSE has issued new harm reduction resources ahead of the weekend and has committed to engaging with nightlife stakeholders throughout 2026 to help reduce harms for people who use drugs in these settings. Initiating this work, the HSE has collaborated with local DJ Shauna Dee.

“Harm reduction is central to my work both as a DJ and as a youth worker. Not everyone who goes out uses substances, but it’s important that we help reduce the harms for those who do.

“Across the nightlife community we all share the same priority, keeping people safe. I’m working with the HSE to share harm reduction advice: start low and go slow, be aware of the new risks and know the signs of a drug emergency.

“Mind your community, look out for yourself and care for others if something doesn’t seem right,” Shauna said.