Chemists at Australia's premier drug checking facility have identified three new recreational substances. 

Australian National University (ANU) scientists, led by Professor Malcolm McLeod, have raised concerns over the drugs, which may have stimulant effects akin to MDMA (ecstasy) and ketamine, yet their health impacts remain uncertain.

One of the substances, initially thought to be related to Ritalin, was identified as a novel variant of cathinone, commonly referred to as 'bath salts'. 

These chemicals, notorious for their potential lethality, represent a significant public health concern. 

“Discovering a new cathinone variant is particularly troubling due to the unknown health implications,” says Professor McLeod, a key figure at CanTEST and Pill Testing Australia.

A second substance, presumed by the user to be similar to ketamine, was revealed to be a new type of benzylpiperazine (BZP) stimulant, a class of drugs that emerged in New Zealand in the early 2000s but about which little is known. 

The third drug, suspected to be a cathinone, turned out to be propylphenidine, a new phenethylamine, expanding the list of stimulants that includes amphetamines and MDMA.

This trio of drugs underwent rigorous analysis at CanTEST and the ANU Research School of Chemistry. 

“Our findings not only inform individuals about potential risks but also highlight the global public health significance of detecting novel substances,” says Dr David Caldicott, Clinical Lead at CanTEST.

CanTEST, operational since July 2022, has tested over 1,700 samples, uncovering substances not just new to Australia but potentially unknown worldwide. 

This includes a unique drug similar to ketamine discovered in October 2022 and a dangerous opioid misidentified as oxycodone, prompting a health alert. 

These discoveries underscore the necessity of drug checking services for public safety and harm minimisation.

The recent detection of these drugs reiterates the importance of such services, with Dr Caldicott advocating for their expansion across Australia. 

An evaluation by ANU of CanTEST's initial six months revealed significant impacts on drug consumption behaviours, with a notable portion of users discarding substances after testing.