PMMA is a synthetic phenethylamine amphetamine-type stimulant structurally related to both methamphetamine and para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA). It was placed in
Schedule I of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 in 2016.
PMMA has historically been encountered in powders and tablets marketed as MDMA ("ecstasy") [1]. At high doses,
PMMA may produce some of the effects associated with MDMA, including stimulation and euphoria [1]. Owing to its slower onset of action, individuals expecting typical MDMA-like effects may perceive the dose as insufficient and consume additional amounts before the full effects of
PMMA have developed. This pattern of re-dosing has been identified as a defining feature of
PMMA-related deaths [1].
Increasing PMMA detections in tablets sold as MDMA Since July 2026, drug-checking services and national early warning systems in several European countries have reported the detection of
PMMA in tablets sold as MDMA, either alone or in combination with MDMA. Reports have originated from
Austria,
Belgium,
the Netherlands,
Spain,
Switzerland,
Germany, and
Italy. Varying amounts of PMMA have been reported including tablets containing more than 100 mg. In addition, when
PMMA is present with MDMA and other psychoactive substances, the risk of toxicity is further increased.
The
Trans European Drug Information (TEDI) Network PMMA alert describes a wide range of tablet appearances that have emerged to date, including Trump, Red Bull, Club 555, Abarth, Mitsubishi, Gorilla/Donkey Kong (DK), and Hulk.
PMMA-containing tablets can vary widely in colour, shape and logo, and appearance alone cannot reliably indicate their contents. Tablets bearing the same logo may contain different substances across batches, while PMMA may also be found in tablets with different logos; therefore, visual characteristics should be considered only as supplementary information.
Relevance to global drug markets PMMA presence in drug markets is not limited to Europe, having been reported to
UNODC EWA by 42 countries across all continents. Countries reporting
PMMA has fluctuated over time, with 10 countries reporting
PMMA in 2026 to date across Europe, South America, and Asia. Other alerts have previously been issued in
Australia, where
PMMA was identified in 2024 in a yellow crystalline material sold as MDMA. Toxicological data from sentinel laboratories reporting to
UNODC EWA Tox-Portal shows that
PMMA was involved in 24 toxicological cases between 2015 and 2025 across 4 continents (Oceania, Asia, North America, and South America). Reported cases included 14 clinical admissions (58%), 5 post-mortem investigations (21%), 2 drug-facilitated crime investigations (8%), and 3 other case types (13%).
According to the
UNODC World Drug Report 2026, most ecstasy available globally is produced in Western and Central Europe, with 82% of reported countries transit or departure of seized shipments around the world being from Europe. Consequently, changes in the composition of tablets sold as ecstasy in European markets may have implications beyond the region and warrant close monitoring through national and international early warning systems.
Importance of early warning systems Rapid dissemination of analytical findings allows countries to prepare laboratory testing, identify emerging threats, strengthen clinical awareness and issue public health communications before widespread harms occur. The recent resurgence of
PMMA serves as a reminder that substances previously considered uncommon can rapidly re-emerge in illicit drug markets and spread globally. Access to laboratory testing, multimodal surveillance including the involvement of civil society organizations, and international information sharing remain essential in supporting timely public health responses. The importance of collaboration, data monitoring, and the development of public health warnings for affected communities was highlighted at this year’s
Commission on Narcotic Drugs, through
side events and the adoption of the
resolution on strengthening early warning mechanisms. The evolution of
UNODC EWA to capture analysed samples from drug checking services across Europe, North America and Oceania highlights how early warning systems can use this information to rapidly understand and respond to emerging community threats.
For the latest information on PMMA and other emerging substances, registered eligible users can access country reports, analytical, toxicological, and interactive detailed trend data through the UNODC EWA Pro dashboard. References: 1.
World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD). (2016). Thirty-seventh report. WHO Technical Report Series, No. 998