- Trimbos Institute issued a 'Red Alert' on Friday regarding ecstasy pills shaped like Donald Trump, warning of high PMMA concentration and potentially deadly consequences.
- The institute cautioned users to "Absolutely do not use these pills" due to the risks associated with PMMA, which can lead to overheating and possibly deadly outcomes.
- Spokesperson Anniek Groothuis reported that there are no known instances of severe illness or death among users of these pills.
- PMMA takes longer to take effect than MDMA, which could lead users to consume more, increasing the risk of overdose.
- Producing, selling, and using ecstasy remains illegal in the Netherlands, but it is widely used, particularly at clubs and music festivals.
- A 2024 government report indicated that approximately 550,000 individuals consumed ecstasy that year.
The Dutch Trimbos Institute has raised alarms over ecstasy pills shaped like Donald Trump, warning they contain high levels of PMMA, a dangerous chemical that mimics MDMA. The institute's 'Red Alert' cautions users to “absolutely do not use these pills” due to the risk of overheating and overdose.12347
The pills, recently submitted for testing, have been described as having a depiction of Trump’s head on one side, with “NL” and “Trump” stamped on the other. The institute noted that PMMA takes longer to take effect than MDMA, which could lead users to consume more, increasing the risk of overdose.
Spokesperson Anniek Groothuis stated, “We do not know of any victims where PMMA was found in their blood,” indicating no reported cases of severe illness or death linked to these pills. Despite the legal prohibition of ecstasy in the Netherlands, a 2024 government report revealed that approximately 550,000 individuals consumed the drug that year, particularly at clubs and music festivals.9
The institute's warning follows a history of Trump-shaped ecstasy pills, with similar pills seized in Germany in 2017 and reported at UK music festivals in 2018. The potential dangers of these pills highlight ongoing concerns about drug safety in recreational settings.
“The pills contain a high concentration of PMMA, which acts slower than MDMA, leading users to take more and risk overdose. Spokesperson Anniek Groothuis said no victims with PMMA in their blood are known, but the institute warns of overheating and possibly deadly outcomes.”
The Independent
