Alpha-PVP like substance misrepresented as MDMA in Christchurch

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    • Christchurch

UPDATED 4 January 2024
An Alpha-PVP like substance has been detected in a brown powder presumed to be MDMA in the Christchurch region.

NEX Chch 846 web
How to identify the drug
  • Brown powder
  • Sold as MDMA

UPDATE 4 January 2024

On 27 December 2023, we issued a notification that an Alpha-PVP like substance had been detected in a brown powder presumed to be MDMA in the Christchurch region.

This substance was initially identified at drug checking clinics in Christchurch, one run by New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme (DISC) and another by Know Your Stuff NZ. Following the release of the notification, High Alert received further reports and we now believe that substance has been distributed around the country.

Further analysis by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) has identified the substance in some of these samples as Alpha-D2PV, a substance similar to Alpha-PVP. In some instances, a mixture of MDMA and Alpha-D2PV was present. 

High Alert urges extreme caution and testing is recommended 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 feel unusual effects, call 111. Be honest about your drug use it could save your life.

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This notification is to let you know that an Alpha-PVP like substance has been detected in a brown powder presumed to be MDMA in the Christchurch region. People who consume this powder believing it to be MDMA are at risk of experiencing adverse effects and serious harm because Alpha-PVP and similar substances are more potent than MDMA and they may inadvertently take multiple doses.

UPDATE 30 December: Drug checkers have also detected this substance at festivals in the North Island.

The powder is believed to be widely circulating in the Christchurch region and may possibly be present in other regions. The concern is that people may already have this substance believing it is MDMA or that this substance may continue to be sold as MDMA and people will consume it as such. It is important to never assume that what you have is the same as what you are being told it is. Misrepresentation can occur anywhere along the supply chain.

High Alert urges extreme caution and testing is recommended 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 feel unusual effects, call 111. Be honest about your drug use it could save your life.

If you have heard of any reports of this drug, please let us know! The alert ID is N23/0040. All submissions are anonymous.

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How to recognise the drug:

The Alpha-PVP like substance was found in a brown powder, that was presumed to be MDMA. The powder is present in Christchurch and possibly other regions.

This substance was identified in separate samples brought into drug checking clinics in Christchurch, one run by New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme (DISC) and another by Know Your Stuff NZ. Further analysis by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) has identified this substance to be Alpha-D2PV a substance similar to Alpha-PVP.

How to recognise symptoms from the drug:

Reported effects of Alpha-PVP can include: 

  • Increased energy
  • Alertness
  • Talking more than usual
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Over-stimulation
  • Tense muscles and restlessness
  • Blurred vision
  • Dry or numb mouth
  • Headaches
  • Sweating
  • Racing heart

How to reduce harm from the drug:

Alpha-PVP has a much smaller dosage rate than MDMA, with active doses less than a quarter of a common MDMA dose. At high doses adverse effects can include mania, a racing heart, and hallucinations. Alpha-PVP has been implicated in harm including deaths internationally, especially when used in combination with other substances.

High Alert urges extreme caution should you choose to take brown powders and testing is recommended to help minimise the risk. KnowYourStuffNZ, the New Zealand Drug Foundation and the New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme (DISC) are running regular drug checking clinics. Information on upcoming clinics can be found on The Level.

If you choose to use this substance: 

  • Use a reagent test to check it first. Marquis and Mandelin reagents will turn black if there is any MDMA present in the mixture and will not change colour if there is only Alpha-PVP.
  • Lower doses are less risky – a usual dose for MDMA can have between 4 and 10 doses of Alpha-PVP in it. Start off with a small amount to check how it affects you. 
  • 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 don’t feel right.
  • Avoid taking more. Alpha-PVP can cause you to feel a very strong urge to take more and this greatly increases the risk to your health.

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 the Report unusual effects page, the alert ID is N23/040. All submissions are anonymous.

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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.