Dutch institute issues 'red alert' over Trump-shaped ecstasy pills
The drugs have a delayed effect which "increases the risk of overdose", the institute has advised.
A Dutch drug addiction and mental health organization has issued a "red alert" regarding potentially deadly ecstasy pills molded in the likeness of US President Donald Trump's head. The institute cautioned, "Do not use this pill under any circumstance."
The Trimbos Institute, located in Utrecht, reported that multiple pills were submitted to testing facilities in August. Analysis revealed these pills contained a "very high" concentration of the chemical PMMA.
In its warning, the institute stated that the drug could lead to "overheating with potentially fatal consequences," reiterating, "Do not use this pill under any any circumstance."
Images released by the institute show the pills with a depiction of Trump's head on one side and the words "Trump" and "NL" embossed on the other. The institute displayed images of two pills: one yellow and blue, and another red and green.
PMMA, or para-methoxymethamfetamine, is chemically similar to MDMA, the active component in ecstasy pills.
"However, the effect occurs later, and the stimulating effect is often absent," the institute explained. "This increases the risk of overdose."
Users are being advised that they could experience symptoms such as nausea, an elevated heart rate, and convulsions several hours after consuming the pills.
Anniek Groothuis, a spokesperson for the Trimbos Institute, informed the Associated Press that there have been no reported instances of death or severe illness among potential users.
Although the production, sale, and use of ecstasy are illegal in the Netherlands, a 2024 Dutch government report indicated that the substance "is still quite popular as a party drug."
The report further noted that in 2022, a "record 550,000 people" had used the drug at least once.
This is not the first instance of Donald Trump's likeness being used as inspiration for the shape of ecstasy pills.
In 2017, German police seized approximately 5,000 carrot-colored ecstasy tablets shaped like the US president's head. Authorities believed these pills were marketed online with the slogan "Trump makes partying great again."