Warning issued on the prevalence of cathinones in party places

A drug control organization has issued a warning to drug users ahead of New Year’s Eve, telling partygoers that dangerous drugs are “in blood everywhere.”

Know Your Stuff says its tests reveal that half of the drugs that claim to be MDMA contain dangerous cathinones, also known as “bath salts.”

Dubbed this “cathinone summer,” Know Your Stuff’s Dr. Jez Watson revealed that there had been a massive increase in the amount of substances detected and said this was “bad news.”

“The most common cathinone right now is eutilone. We saw small amounts last year and
now there are lots around. This is a big change and bad news, “Watson said in a statement.

Watson noted that users were re-dosing the drug, which offers a shorter “high” than MDMA, and then found themselves unable to sleep for days.

“Initially, the eutilone feels like MDMA … euphoria, but that wears off after an hour or so. You may think it’s weak MDMA and be tempted to take more. Don’t.

“We are hearing too many stories of miserable experiences with eutylone,” Watson said.

“All the stories are similar: ‘Last night I drank a little, after an hour or so I thought it was running out, so I drank a little more, I was up all night, and now it’s noon and I can’t sleep like shit. ‘

“In some cases, people have had to wait more than 48 hours before they could sleep.”

Watson said the organization knew of at least two people who had needed medical help, one of whom was having seizures.

“The worst outcome is vomiting, seizures, and possibly death,” Watson warned.

He said there was only a small amount of MDMA on the market and told users: “If it is not
tested, don’t take it. “

A young man who claimed to have used the substance at the Rhythm n Vines festival, believing it to be MDMA, told the Herald that he had never felt worse in his life.

“It was my first time trying MDMA, but after a while I realized that it kept coming back for more until it couldn’t work anymore,” he said.

He described a “fast and extreme” climb and said: “Once the night is over, prepare to stare at the roof of your tent for the rest of the night until the sun comes up.

“Once you are awake, you will be in your own world, completely disconnected from everything and everyone.”

How does eutilone feel?

Initially, Eutilone feels like MDMA, with a feeling of euphoria, but that fades after about an hour.

What to do if you have taken eutylone

If you have taken it, do not take more. Rest, eat and wait. Avoid cannabis, alcohol, and caffeine. Definitely don’t try to drive.

If you have a racing heart, high temperature, extreme anxiety, numbness, tingling, or cold.
fingers or toes, or you haven’t slept for more than 24 hours, don’t wait. Seek medical help.

If you are caring for someone who has taken eutilone, help them stay calm and remind them that they will just have to wait. Staying on the couch and watching TV excessively may not seem like an exciting time, but it is the best thing to do in this situation.

How to know if you have Eutilone or MDMA

You cannot tell the difference between MDMA and eutilone based solely on sight or smell.

Know Your Stuff has tasted Eutilone in many different forms this season: white powder, brown powder, light colored lumps that look like Turkish delight, smelly brown lumps that look like broken cookies, and light blue pills with the Playboy logo. Have them taste your things before you take them.

They have found cathinones throughout the country, not just in specific regions.

Know Your Stuff says your spectrometers can’t be everywhere, but reagent testing can help.

Most of the eutilone detected by Know Your Stuff has not been mixed with other substances. With Cosmic EZTest or Hemp Store Marquis, the test cathinones will turn yellow, instead of the black that MDMA gives.

Reagent tests are also not good at differentiating cathinones, but the harm reduction advice is the same for all of them – they are best avoided.

However, Know Your Stuff reports that Cosmic and Hemp Store are low in stock for their reagent test kits. If you have a replacement test kit, keep an eye out for everyone else and ask if anyone else needs to be tested.

Police warning

The police have reminded the Kiwis that they will be present at events across the country during the holiday period and that they are “there to help.”

“It is important to remember that our primary focus is the well-being and safety of all, ensuring revelers are kept safe while still having fun,” they said in a statement.

They sent these reminders to the Kiwis going out this summer:

• If you plan to drink, it is a good idea to eat something substantial before you begin.

• Have a glass of water between each alcoholic drink.

• Plan how you will get home at the end of the night and have the cash, eftpos card, or app to pay for transportation.

• Take care of your friends and stay together so you can take care of each other.

• Have a place to meet your friends if you get separated.

• Make sure your phone is fully charged before you go out.

• Never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks that you have not personally seen spilled, especially from strangers.

• If you are concerned about someone’s behavior, call the police.

• Make sure you have a designated driver or reserve money for a taxi.

• If you plan to walk, go in pairs or groups, either way have a plan to get home safely.

The police have asked parents to take note of this tip as well, so they can make sure their little ones have the information they need to be safe while having fun.

“We all have a responsibility to ensure that our friends and loved ones are safe this summer, so please be vigilant and report any concerns you have,” they said.

Police also had advice for those seeking to take advantage of vulnerable or intoxicated people: “Don’t do this.”

“Don’t let your partners do this either. Sexual assault is unacceptable. It is never the victim’s fault and should not be tolerated in any situation.

“The police take sexual assault extremely seriously. We will respond to and investigate incidents that are reported to us.

“If you see anything suspicious, call 111.”