Trends in toxicological findings and drug seizures of MDMA in New Zealand from 2010 to 2022
Thomas Sheehan, Hilary Hamnett, Sarah G. G. Russell, Diana Kappatos, Helen Poulsen
Journal of Forensic Sciences February 12, 2026 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.70284 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMDMA (ecstasy) is used by 4.8% of New Zealanders aged 15 or older. In coronial cases (131 positive for MDMA), the average blood concentration was 0.88 mg/L; in driving-under-the-influence cases (193 positive), the average was 0.23 mg/L. Over 85% of cases also involved other drugs, most often cannabis and alcohol. Drug seizures averaged 71% purity, with capsules being the purest. The data inform forensic toxicology and drug policy.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Retrospective analysis of toxicology and seizure data Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 324 |
| Population | MDMA-positive coronial cases and driving-under-the-influence cases in New Zealand (2010–2022), plus MDMA drug seizures |
| Duration | 2010-2022 |
| Topics | Cannabis MDMA |
| Keywords | Forensic toxicology Poison control Demographics |
| Key finding | MDMA was detected in 131 coronial cases and 193 driving cases; most cases involved co-use of other drugs, especially cannabis and alcohol. |
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or "ecstasy," is a commonly used drug worldwide, including in New Zealand, where 4.8% of the population aged 15 years or over reported using it in a 2023/2024 survey. This study provides additional insights on MDMA prevalence data in New Zealand by reporting toxicology data from Coronial and driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) cases positive for MDMA between 2010 and 2022. Presented alongside are data from MDMA drug seizures (tablets, powders/crystals, and capsules) submitted by NZ Police or Customs during the same period. Of the 131 MDMA-positive Coronial cases, 73 were quantified in peripheral postmortem blood (mean: 0.88 mg/L, range: 0.01-9.30 mg/L). Of the 193 DUID cases positive for MDMA, 186 were quantified in blood (mean: 0.23 mg/L, range: 0.01-7.30 mg/L). MDA was also quantified in peripheral blood in 33 Coronial cases (mean: 0.06 mg/L, range: 0.01-0.20 mg/L) and 79 DUID cases (mean: 0.03 mg/L, range: 0.01-0.21 mg/L). In both types of MDMA-positive cases, 85% or more were positive for other drugs and/or alcohol, with the most commonly co-used substances being cannabis and alcohol. The demographics of MDMA users were comparable to those reported in previous studies. The prevalence of MDMA in drivers (1.8%) is similar to that reported in previous studies. There were 138 drug seizures with an average purity of 71% (range: 17-101%), with capsules showing the highest overall purity. We envisage the data in this paper being used by forensic toxicologists, law enforcement and drug policy makers.