Summarised by Centrist
Drug testing won’t be available at seven NZ summer events, sparking safety concerns as synthetic opioids like nitrosines surface. Testing service Know Your Stuff cited budget cuts and warned of risks from drug misuse and adulteration. “The biggest risk is taking too much or mixing drugs,” deputy manager Dr Jez Watson said. Doctors urge honesty to manage emergencies, with 1179 overdose deaths reported between 2017 and 2023.