Warning issued over triple-strength MDMA pills found at Parklife

Sunday, 15 June 2025 14:45

By David Murphy

A charity has issued an alert after dangerous 'Dior' and 'Pop Smoke' ecstasy tablets were tested at the Heaton Park event.

A drugs testing charity has issued a public warning after high strength ecstasy pills were found circulating at Parklife Festival this weekend.

Volunteers from The Loop, a non-profit organisation providing onsite drug checking, tested pills branded 'Dior' and 'Pop Smoke' containing up to 340mg of MDMA, nearly three times the typical adult dose. The findings have raised concerns over potential overdoses, which can lead to hospitalisation or even death.

Despite Parklife operating a strict no-drugs policy, with security checks and sniffer dogs at entrances, The Loop’s presence allowed for 'back of house' testing and harm reduction messaging. The charity shared results publicly to inform festivalgoers of the dangers and recommended safety measures.

Festival attendees were reminded of essential precautions: stay hydrated, take regular breaks, and know the signs of an MDMA overdose. Health professionals warn that while MDMA can create euphoric effects, it carries significant risks, especially at high doses.

A tweet from The Loop summarised their advice, urging: “If planning on taking MDMA, be aware of the risks. Stay safe. Take quarter, sip water.”

The charity’s intervention is part of a broader campaign to reduce harm at UK festivals by providing real-time information about drug contents and strength. The Loop’s service has been credited with preventing serious medical incidents in recent years.

High strength pills tested @Parklifefest. If planning on taking MDMA, be aware of the risks.

👉stay hydrated
👉take regular breaks
👉look after yourself and each other
👉know the signs of overdose#LoopAlert #GoSlowStayLow #TakeQuarterSipWater pic.twitter.com/kmmM8SYT9f
— The Loop (@WeAreTheLoopUK) June 15, 2025

The Parklife organisers reiterated their zero-tolerance stance on drug use, stating: “Drugs are no more legal at a festival than in the outside world. Drug dealing and consumption will not be tolerated.”

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