Trends in toxicological findings and drug seizures of MDMA in New Zealand from 2010 to 2022
Journal of Forensic Sciences – February 12, 2026
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
In New Zealand, 4.8% of individuals aged 15 and older reported using MDMA in 2023/2024. Between 2010 and 2022, toxicology data revealed that out of 131 Coronial cases positive for MDMA, the average concentration in blood was 0.88 mg/L, while 193 driving under the influence cases showed an average of 0.23 mg/L. Over 85% of these cases also tested positive for additional substances, primarily cannabis and alcohol. Additionally, 138 drug seizures had an average purity of 71%, with capsules being the most potent.
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.