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High Alert - Drug Information and Alerts New Zealand - is warning of a substance being sold as ketamine in the Wellington region.
The substance 2-Fluoro-2-Oxo-PCE, also known as 2F-NENDCK or CanKet, was found in two samples of white powder/crystal being sold as ketamine.
Ketamine is a recreational drug that can send users into a euphoric, out-of-body experience called a k-hole.
2-Fluoro-2-Oxo-PCE is a drug synthesised to be similar to ketamine, and although it is structurally similar, High Alert said it can produce unexpected and unpredictable effects.
High Alert said some reported effects of 2-Fluoro-2-Oxo-PCE include a longer k-hole effect, more intense feelings of intoxication, little to no feelings of euphoria or introspection, strong visual disturbances, greater feelings of disorientation, nausea, and a long duration - up to 4 to 6 hours.
The substance was believed to be widely circulating in the Wellington region, and may possibly be present in other regions.
High Alert recommended that people have their drugs checked to help minimise the risk.
KnowYourStuffNZ, the New Zealand Drug Foundation and the New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme run regular drug checking clinics.
Information on upcoming clinics, including those coming up in the Wellington region, can be found on the New Zealand Drug Foundation's website - The Level.