Dangerous new drug dimethylpentylone hits the streets in Australia

A dangerous new party drug that is ‘similar to MDMA’ is hitting the streets of Australia, the Australian Federal Police have warned.

The synthetic stimulant called dimethylpentylone can cause an amphetamine-like psychoactive high and was first discovered in Australia in October 2021.

In the 16 months since then, border enforcement officers have detected more than 50 attempted imports into Australia.

Officers have seized varying amounts of the drug, sent by postal mail and air cargo, with shipments ranging from around 100 grams to ten kilograms.

The drug, which goes by the street names ‘crystal’ and ‘Molly’, has been seized in crystal and powder form and has a similar chemical structure to methylone.

AFP commander Kate Ferry said the new illicit synthetic stimulant could pose a significant risk to the Australian community.

“We have absolutely seen an increase in attempts to import this drug, especially through 2022,” he said.

‘The risk of serious harm or overdose with dimethylpentylone is very real. We are advising the community that there is no safe dose when it comes to this drug.”

‘The side effects and subsequent dangers in the short and long term have not yet been discovered because it is a relatively new synthetic drug. It remains largely unknown and untested, it’s all uncharted territory.

The synthetic stimulant called dimethylpentylone can cause an amphetamine-like psychoactive high and was first discovered in Australia in October 2021.

Commander Ferry said that criminal syndicates attempting to import dimethylpentylone would face the same significant penalties as any other illicit substance.

“The AFP will prosecute criminals and syndicates selling illicit drug analogues, such as dimethylpentylone, with penalties equivalent to the actual illicit drugs, as set out in Commonwealth law.”

“AFP is working with its state and Commonwealth law enforcement partners to crack down on these criminal syndicates attempting to expose Australians to this potentially dangerous and unproven drug.”

ABF Commander Susan Drennan said ABF officers were aware of attempts by criminals to smuggle synthetic illicit drugs into Australia.

Officers have seized varying amounts of the drug, sent by postal mail and air cargo, with shipments ranging from around 100 grams to ten kilograms.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s well-known illegal drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine, or new synthetic stimulants like dimethylpentylone, ABF officers use sophisticated methods to detect these illicit substances at the border,” Commander Drennan said.

“Criminals may think they can smuggle lesser-known synthetic drugs through our border controls, but they are sorely mistaken.

‘The ABF is always on the lookout for prohibited items being smuggled into the country and is committed to protecting Australians from harmful drugs.

“We work closely with our law enforcement partners every day to prevent these illicit substances from entering the community.”

The drug is considered an analogue of methylone, pentylone, and butylone and has been sold to users as MDMA.

Investigations into the international origins and criminal syndicates behind these import attempts are ongoing.