Toxic chemical mercury chloride misrepresented as MDMA in Wellington region

This notification is to let you know that the toxic chemical mercury chloride has been detected in a white powder presumed to be MDMA in the Wellington region. Mercury chloride is very toxic to humans and should not be consumed. It does not have any psychoactive effects. 

The substance is believed to be circulating in the Wellington region and may possibly be present in other regions. 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. It is important to never assume that what you have is what you are being told it is. Misrepresentation can occur anywhere along the supply chain.

High Alert strongly urges people not to take unknown white powders presumed to be MDMA. 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 your life. 

How to recognise the drug

The sample was brought into a drug checking clinic in the Wellington region run by New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme’s DISC Trust. It was white powder, that was presumed to be MDMA.

Further preliminary testing by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) found the sample to contain mercury chloride, and no MDMA.

Mercury chloride is considered to be very toxic, and should not be consumed in any way. Symptoms of mercury chloride consumption include:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Profound nausea/vomiting/diarrhoea, which may be bloody
• A burning sensation where exposed to the substance
• Renal (kidney) failure can develop after exposure 6-96 hours post exposure
• Death

The higher the dose of mercury chloride, the earlier and more severe these effects will likely be.

While there is no specific advice on 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).

How to reduce harm from the drug

High Alert strongly urges people not to consume unknown white powders presumed to be MDMA. Drug checking is recommended 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 take a white powder that has not been checked by a drug checking service: 

• Remember that mercury chloride is highly toxic to humans and does not have any psychoactive effects.

• Use a reagent test to check it first. Marquis reagents will turn black if there is any MDMA present in the mixture and will not change colour if there is only mercury chloride.

• Lower doses are less risky. A typical dose of MDMA could result in serious harm if the substance is mercury chloride. Start off with a very small amount to check how it affects you. If you feel any unusual symptoms, avoid taking more and seek medical help.     

• 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 experiences unexpected effects after taking this substance.

The National Poisons Centre is also available 24/7 to help members of the public and healthcare professionals with clinical advice for exposures to this, or any other substance - please call 0800 764 766 (0800 POISON).