NSW Health Issues Warning Over High-Strength MDMA Tablets Before Summer Festivals
09 Oct 2026
The tablets were identified by the NSW Government’s Drug Checking Service at the Knockout Outdoor music festival in Sydney on 3 October 2026.
Health authorities have issued previous warnings about similar tablets. Continued detections and the approaching summer festival season have led to another public safety alert.
Dr Hester Wilson, NSW Health’s Chief Addiction Medicine Specialist, said the tablets could be found anywhere across the state.
MDMA can cause serious health problems, including extreme agitation, dangerously high body temperature, seizures and abnormal heart rhythms. In severe cases, it can be fatal. Taking it with other stimulants or consuming multiple doses within a short period can increase these risks.
The amount of MDMA can also differ significantly between tablets, including those from the same batch.
Hot conditions at music festivals may further increase the risk of overheating. Taking breaks from dancing, resting in shaded areas and drinking water can help reduce this risk.
NSW Health urges anyone who feels unwell after taking drugs to seek medical assistance immediately by calling Triple Zero (000). People should not delay seeking emergency care because they fear getting into trouble.
Drug-checking services, onsite medical teams and trained volunteers from programs such as DanceWize NSW and ACON Rovers can provide support at many major festivals. Event staff may also be available to assist.
NSW Health Issues Warning Over High-Strength MDMA Tablets Before Summer Festivals
Source: NSW Health