Ecstasy pills on the market are becoming more pure, a leading drug expert has told Times of Malta, raising concerns that users could be at risk of an overdose.

Mario Mifsud, former director of the national forensic lab, said the spike in the drug’s quality – a trend witnessed across Europe – comes as the substance had started to fall out of favour with local users.

“Over the past few years we had seen a noticeable decline in the quality of the active ingredients [used in ecstasy pills],” Dr Mifsud said. “This, however, has suddenly changed and could have devastating effects as users who, now used to taking larger doses, might come into contact with stronger pills,” he warned.

The forensic lab regularly informs Mater Dei Hospital and other health authorities of notable changes in toxicity after running tests on seized drugs.

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