A “very toxic” chemical has been detected in white powder presumed to be MDMA in the Wellington region, says drug watchdog High Alert.
The sample was brought into a drug-checking clinic in Wellington where analysis by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) found the sample to contain mercury chloride and no MDMA.
“The substance is believed to be circulating in the Wellington region and may possibly be present in other regions,” a statement said.
“The concern is people may already have this substance believing it to be MDMA, or that this substance may continue to be supplied as MDMA.”
Mercury chloride is very toxic and should not be consumed in any way, High Alert said, issuing a list of symptoms of consumption:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Profound nausea/vomiting/diarrhoea, which may be bloody
- A burning sensation where exposed to the substance
- Renal (kidney) failure can development within 6-96 hours post exposure
- Death
The higher the dose of mercury chloride, the earlier and more severe these effects will likely be, the statement said.
“While there is no specific advice on the snorting of the substance, it is expected it will result in significant nasal injury. Similarly, inhaling the substance may cause lung injury and respiratory problems.
“Consumption of mercury chloride can result in both gastrointestinal (digestive system) and renal (kidney) injury. Gastrointestinal injury can be caused by mercury chloride through any route of consumption (not just swallowing it).”
