Partygoers Advised to Test Drugs Before New Year Celebrations

With New Year’s celebrations approaching, partygoers are being urged to ensure their drugs are tested for safety. Organizations like KnowYourStuff will provide drug testing services at several major festivals, including the AUM New Years Festival, Northern Bass, Twisted Frequency, and Rhythm and Alps in Wānaka. Meanwhile, the Drug Foundation will be present at Gisborne’s Rhythm and Vines.

According to KnowYourStuff spokesperson Casey Spearin, approximately one in ten drugs sold on the black market are misrepresented. Spearin emphasized the importance of testing any substances individuals plan to consume this summer. “We recommend that anyone who is planning on taking drugs this summer tries to get them checked before they do consume if possible,” she noted.

Spearin highlighted the risks associated with trusting previous purchases, stating that changes can occur anywhere along the supply chain. There is particular concern regarding synthetic cathinones, commonly referred to as “bath salts,” which are sometimes sold as MDMA (ecstasy). This misrepresentation can lead to dangerous situations, including serious health risks or even fatalities.

“Another thing that we always tend to recommend people looking out for is high-dose pills,” Spearin explained. She pointed out that some ecstasy pills have been found to contain multiple doses of MDMA, with reports of one pill containing as many as nine doses.

Additionally, there has been an observed increase in the use of cocaine and ketamine, with some users receiving counterfeit products. Spearin reassured partygoers that drug testing is free, anonymous, confidential, and legal. A temporary law that legalized drug checking was made permanent in 2021, allowing organizations to provide these essential services without legal repercussions.

Former Health Minister Andrew Little stated that evidence indicates pill testing can enhance safety by intercepting potentially harmful substances before consumption. The legislation received support across Parliament, with the notable exception of the National Party, which opposed the bill.

As festivities approach, the call for drug testing serves as a critical reminder for partygoers to prioritize their safety. With the potential risks associated with untested substances, taking advantage of these testing services could make a significant difference in ensuring a safer celebration.