Christchurch Police are reminding people to take care of themselves and their friends at this weekend's Electric Avenue Festival at Hagley Park.
Last year a number of people were hospitalised as a result of reported drug overdoses.
Detective Senior Sergeant Sarah Illingworth of the Canterbury Organised Crime Unit said that it is important to remember there are any number of pills in circulation at any time purporting to be MDMA or ‘party pills’.
She says there are inherent risks for users of any illicit drugs, particularly as there is no way of actually knowing what they are taking.
“The importers, manufacturers and dealers of these type of drugs have no scruples about what is put into them, which is simply chemicals in varying doses. Dealers often have no idea of the potency of what they are supplying, nor what is contained within them, or simply do not care.
“End users are unable to tell what is in any pill they take, so put themselves at risk of serious harm or death by buying and ingesting ‘party pills’, MDMA/ecstasy or synthetic drugs,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Illingworth.
“Police’s message is simple – the easiest way to prevent harm to yourself is to not take these drugs in the first place. Possession and use of illicit drugs remains illegal, and prosecution remains an option for Police in terms of preventing harm and keeping people safe. The easiest way to prevent yourself from harm is to not take these drugs in the first place.”
Anyone with information relating to illegal drug activity, no matter how minor, is urged to contact Police, either through your nearest Police station or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you, or someone you know, has a drug addiction please contact the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Cente