Partygoers Urged to Test Drugs Ahead of New Year Celebrations

As New Year celebrations approach, partygoers are encouraged to have their drugs tested to ensure safety. The initiative is spearheaded by KnowYourStuff, which will provide drug-checking services at major events including the AUM New Years Festival, Northern Bass, Twisted Frequency, and Rhythm and Alps in Wānaka. Additionally, the Drug Foundation will be present at Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne.

According to KnowYourStuff spokesperson Casey Spearin, approximately one in ten drugs sold on the black market do not match their advertised content. “We recommend that anyone who is planning on taking drugs this summer tries to get them checked before they do consume if possible,” she stated. She emphasized that even trusted sources can have changes in their supply chains, which can lead to dangerous outcomes.

Spearin highlighted a particular concern regarding synthetic cathinones, commonly referred to as “bath salts,” which have been sold as MDMA (also known as ecstasy). The potential for misrepresentation poses serious risks, including hospitalization or even death. “Another thing that we always tend to recommend people looking out for is high-dose pills,” she added. “Often people are buying ecstasy pills, and we do see these coming through with multiple doses of MDMA, sometimes two to three doses. I think there was one found that had nine or more doses in it.”

The rise in popularity of substances like cocaine and ketamine has also been noted, with some samples not being authentic. Spearin reassured the public that drug testing is free, anonymous, confidential, and legal, following a temporary law that was made permanent in 2021. The legislation aims to enhance safety by identifying potentially hazardous substances before consumption.

Then-Health Minister Andrew Little previously stated that evidence indicated pill-testing effectively keeps individuals safe by intercepting dangerous drugs. The bill received support across Parliament, though it faced opposition from the National Party, which raised concerns about its implications.

As the festive season approaches, the emphasis on drug testing highlights the ongoing efforts to prioritize safety within the party environment. By encouraging individuals to take precautionary measures, organizations like KnowYourStuff and the Drug Foundation aim to reduce the risk associated with drug use.