HSE Drug Screening Returns to Electric Picnic After Emergencies

A drug screening programme operated by the Health Service Executive (HSE) is set to return to the Electric Picnic festival this weekend. This initiative follows the discovery of high-strength MDMA pills at last year’s festival, which resulted in a number of medical emergencies, including convulsions.

The HSE’s drug checking service, now in its fourth year at Electric Picnic, allows festival-goers to submit samples for analysis. This testing aims to identify dangerous substances and provide attendees with crucial safety information. While the programme focuses on harm reduction, local authorities, including Gardaí, have maintained that normal laws regarding drug possession will still be enforced during the event.

Last year, the programme identified particularly potent MDMA pills that were linked to serious medical incidents. According to the HSE, this testing has proven essential for understanding the types of drugs circulating at the festival and for issuing warnings when hazardous substances are detected.

Minister for Public Health Jennifer Murnane O’Connor emphasized the importance of the initiative in a recent statement. “The drug market is constantly evolving, and new and more dangerous substances are constantly emerging,” she said. “I want to remind people that the safest option is to avoid illicit drugs. However, for those who choose otherwise, please do not hesitate to seek help from the HSE services that offer non-judgmental support.”

Nicki Killeen, who manages the HSE Emerging Drug Trends Project, noted that without the testing initiative, there would be no comprehensive data on the purity of MDMA in Ireland. “These results help us identify trends and tailor how we deliver harm reduction to people at events,” she explained.

Killeen added that individuals often submit samples to ensure their drugs do not contain harmful adulterants. “Over the last four years, we have issued alerts on high-strength MDMA linked to medical emergencies, 3-CMC being sold as cocaine without people knowing, and even cases of 100% pure cocaine,” she said. “These alerts were only possible because of people submitting samples to help the wider community.”

The HSE’s drug testing teams will be stationed at the Jimi Hendrix campsite and the Electric Arena throughout the festival, wearing high-visibility vests for easy identification. They will be available to answer questions and provide information on drug safety.

If you or someone else feels unwell after taking drugs, the HSE urges attendees to seek medical attention immediately. More information on the drug screening programme can be found on the HSE’s website, which aims to provide resources and support for festival-goers.

This initiative not only helps safeguard public health but also fosters a culture of safety and awareness at events like Electric Picnic.