26 May 2015
Minister Concerned at Reports of Adverse Reactions
Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne is concerned at the use of untested and unapproved black-market psychoactive
substances in the Auckland area, following recent reports of adverse reactions.
Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) test results suggest the substance in question may be MDMB-CHMICA,
previously unknown in New Zealand, but responsible for numerous serious adverse effects reported overseas.
“This substance has contributed to, or been directly responsible for, at least 6 deaths in Europe and I am extremely
concerned to hear that it has made its way to New Zealand.
It is precisely this sort of situation that a regulated market under the Psychoactive Substances Act was designed to
avoid.
I want to reiterate that currently there are no approved psychoactive products, or licences to retail, and the
distribution, sale and possession of them is illegal – end of story.
If people are aware of these, or any other psychoactive products being made available, they should contact Police to
report it as soon as possible.”
ends