Briefing note: PMMA detected in ecstasy tablets in Europe

Key points

Since July 2026, drug-checking services in several European countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Spain and Switzerland, have reported PMMA (paramethoxymethamphetamine) in tablets sold as ecstasy. PMMA can cause severe and potentially fatal toxicity.

There is currently no evidence from the available data that these tablets are circulating in the UK, however, ecstasy tablets in the UK market are typically sourced from EU countries. This briefing is intended to support early awareness and reporting of suspected
detections or harms.

Recent analysis in Europe has identified PMMA in tablets sold as ecstasy. Reported logos stamped on the tablets include:

• Trump
• Red Bull
• Club 555
• Abarth
  
  (images are available in the links at the bottom of this briefing)

The recent European alerts state that tested tablets contained varying amounts of PMMA, with some containing more than 100 mg. PMMA has a narrow margin between doses producing effects people who use it are looking for and causing severe toxicity, but risk may vary between individuals.

Tablet colour and logo should only be used as supporting information, as tablets with the same appearance may contain different substances and other logos may also contain PMMA.

OHID is not currently aware of any recently reported fatal or non-fatal overdoses linked specifically to these tablets or involving PMMA.

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