Work

The Role of Drug Checking in Identifying Novel Substances in Aotearoa New Zealand

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction Aotearoa New Zealand was the first country to legalise Drug Checking in 2021, aiming to reduce drug-related harm by helping people who use drugs to make informed decisions. The service has grown significantly, evidenced by a near 300% increase in sample numbers. Samples associated with harm or that cannot be identified in-field are sent for laboratory analysis. Several samples have been found to contain novel psychoactive substances (NPS). Methods A review of samples submitted by Drug Checking Providers was undertaken to ascertain the prevalence of NPS and other dangerous substances. Results Synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, benzodiazepines, nitazenes, and ketamine-analogues are the most detected groups of NPS, including the first reported detection of N-cyclohexyl-pentylone internationally. First detections in Aotearoa now often occur through Drug Checking, a shift from NPS detections in seized samples which was prevalent a few years ago. Conclusions Drug Checking provides an unparalleled insight into drug trends, the identification of NPS, and other potentially dangerous substances circulating in Aotearoa’s drug supply. This drug intelligence provides a community-level harm reduction benefit. Other jurisdictions should consider Drug Checking to gain a wider picture of the national drugscape than traditional methods of informing early warning systems from analysing seizures alone.

Source: Emerging Trends in Drugs Addictions and Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100229