Trends in toxicological findings and drug seizures of MDMA in New Zealand from 2010 to 2022
Journal of Forensic Sciences February 12, 2026 Thomas Sheehan, Hilary Hamnett, Sarah G. G. Russell et al.
MDMA (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.