New synthetic cathinone N-isopropylbutylone detected at border

This notification is to let you know that New Zealand Customs Service have seized a new synthetic cathinone, N-isopropylbutylone, at the border. This is the first confirmed detection of this substance in New Zealand. This substance was also identified in a sample of presumed MDMA at a drug checking clinic within the last week. It is currently unknown how widespread this substance may be.

It is almost certain this substance will be misrepresented as MDMA if it continues to enter the New Zealand drug market. Never assume that the drug you have is what it was sold as. Misrepresentation can occur anywhere along the supply chain.

The effects of N-isopropylbutylone are currently unknown but may be similar to eutylone and N-ethylpentylone, both of which have caused considerable harm in New Zealand.

High Alert urges caution and recommends people have their drugs checked to help minimise the risk. Drug checking services can identify when a substance is not what it has been sold as. Find upcoming clinics at The Level.

If you or someone you know takes a substance thought to be MDMA and starts to experience unusual effects, call 111. Be honest about your drug use. You won’t get in trouble, and it could save you or your friends’ life.

How to recognise the drug

N-isopropylbutylone was found in a beige powder/crystal, which is almost certain to be sold as MDMA. It is indistinguishable from MDMA by sight.

N-isopropylbutylone seized by the New Zealand Customs Service in powder/crystal form

This substance was seized by New Zealand Customs Service and was confirmed to contain N-isopropylbutylone by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR).

A sample of presumed MDMA was submitted to drug checkers over the last week which was also confirmed to contain this substance through testing by ESR.

There is currently no information on the health risks, long-term side effects, or dosage of N-isopropylbutylone. As a synthetic cathinone, it possibly has stimulant effects, but its exact effects and toxicity are impossible to predict. Small changes to chemical structures can greatly change the toxicity and subjective effects of substances.

Some synthetic cathinones have lower active doses than MDMA, meaning people may unexpectedly take a larger dose than intended if it has been misrepresented.

While the physical effects of N-isopropylbutylone are unknown, it may be similar to other synthetic cathinones. These include:

• Stimulation
• High blood pressure, rapid heart rate
• Inability for body to regulate temperature
• Appetite suppression
• Compulsive redosing
• Loss of consciousness
• Death

In general, synthetic cathinones can feel like a mild dose of MDMA. If a person takes more, they are at risk of overdosing. Synthetic cathinones can also cause a person to feel anxious, agitated, and paranoid.

Some people also experience headaches, stomach aches, and have difficulty sleeping. There have also been situations in New Zealand where people have lost consciousness or had seizures and required medical attention.

More information about synthetic cathinones is available on The Level.

How to reduce harm from the drug

N-isopropylbutylone is indistinguishable from MDMA by eye. High Alert recommends people have their drugs checked to help minimise the risk. 

KnowYourStuffNZ, the New Zealand Drug Foundation and the New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme's DISC Trust run regular drug checking clinics across the country, and a drop off service is now available in Auckland. A calendar of upcoming clinics can be found on The Level.

If you choose to use this substance:

• Use a reagent test to check it first. Marquis reagent tests will turn black if there is any MDMA present in the mixture, and will turn a yellow colour if there is only N-isopropylbutylone present.
• Lower doses are less risky – a usual dose for MDMA may have multiple doses of N-isopropylbutylone in it. Start off with a small amount to check how it affects you, and avoid taking more. Synthetic cathinones can feel like a mild dose of MDMA which can lead people to re-dose, but taking more is likely to cause unpleasant effects.
• In general, swallowing a substance has a slower onset than other methods and means there might be more time to get medical help if needed.
• Avoid using it at the same time as other substances, especially other stimulants.
• Avoid using alone. Have a buddy who can help, and call an ambulance, if things go wrong.

Call 111 and ask for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else has any of the below signs after taking this substance. Tell them what you have taken, you won’t get in trouble, and it could save your life.

• Feeling extremely agitated or anxious
• Feeling paranoid or manic
• A very fast beating heart
• Tremors, convulsions, or seizures
• Suicidal thoughts 

If you have heard of any reports of this drug, please let us know through our Report unusual effects page, the alert ID is N24/047. All submissions are anonymous.

Are you concerned about your own drinking or drug taking? Reach out to the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797, or text 8681. You'll be able to speak with a trained counsellor who can provide you with helpful information, insight and support. They’re available 24/7, all calls are free and confidential.

You can also chat to the Alcohol Drug Helpline team online through the website, or:

• Call the Māori Line on 0800 787 798 for advice and referral to kaupapa Māori services.
• Call the Pasifika Line on 0800 787 799 for advice and referral to services developed for Pacific people.
• Call the Youth Line on 0800 787 984 for advice and referral to services for young people.