The Dutch Drugs Information and Monitoring System (DIMS), coordinated by the Trimbos Institute, has issued a warning about a dangerous pill being sold as XTC (ecstasy) in the Netherlands. Several pills submitted to a Dutch drug-checking service were found to contain a very high amount of PMMA (para-methoxymethamphetamine) instead of, or in addition to, MDMA. PMMA is associated with a significantly higher risk of serious health problems and potentially fatal overdose.

The pill can be recognized by:

• An image of Donald Trump on one side.
• A score line on the other side, with"NL" above the line and"Trump" below it.
• Different colour combinations have been reported.

PMMA can resemble MDMA in its effects, but it often takes much longer to kick in. Because users may think the pill is not working, they may take more, increasing the risk of overdose. Several hours after use, severe symptoms can suddenly occur, including:

• Nausea
• Rapid heart rate
• Seizures
• Extremely high body temperature (overheating)

Overheating caused by PMMA can be life-threatening.

Do not take this pill. If someone has taken it and experiences severe symptoms, seek medical help immediately (first aid services or an ambulance) and try to keep the person calm while waiting for assistance.

The warning was issued through the Dutch Drugs Information and Monitoring System (DIMS), a nationwide network of drug-checking services. People in the Netherlands can anonymously submit samples for testing, allowing DIMS to identify dangerous substances and issue public alerts when necessary.