Canberra, Australia - In a groundbreaking revelation, chemists at CanTEST, the only permanent drug checking service in Australia, have identified three new recreational drugs previously unknown in the country. These discoveries, spearheaded by Professor Malcolm McLeod and his team of chemists from The Australian National University (ANU), have sparked concerns and curiosity in the scientific community.

Located in Canberra, CanTEST's mission is to analyze and identify substances submitted by clients. The recent findings point to drugs potentially akin to known stimulants like MDMA (ecstasy) and ketamine, which is primarily used as an anaesthetic.

The first of these new substances was initially believed to be a derivative of Ritalin, a commonly prescribed stimulant for ADHD. However, Professor McLeod's analysis revealed it to be a novel variant of cathinone, commonly referred to as 'bath salts'. This family of chemicals is notorious for its dangerous and sometimes lethal effects. "The discovery of a new cathinone variant is particularly alarming, given the unknown health consequences it may have," said Professor McLeod, Chemistry Lead at CanTEST and Pill Testing Australia.

The second substance, thought to be akin to ketamine, turned out to be a new type of benzylpiperazine (BZP) stimulant. Often used as a substitute for MDMA, BZP derivatives first appeared in New Zealand in the early 2000s. Yet, their effects and implications remain largely unexplored.

The third drug, believed to be a cathinone stimulant, was identified as propylphenidine, a new phenethylamine drug. Phenethylamines encompass stimulants like amphetamine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. The true nature of these drugs was confirmed after extensive laboratory testing at the ANU Research School of Chemistry.

These discoveries are not only crucial for public health but also underscore the importance of drug checking services like CanTEST. "These findings allow us to immediately inform the community about these new substances and their potential risks," said Dr David Caldicott, Clinical Lead for CanTEST and Pill Testing Australia. He emphasized the role of such services in changing consumer behaviors and identifying novel drugs, potentially preventing their spread in local markets.

CanTEST has analyzed over 1,700 samples since its inception in July 2022. The service played a pivotal role in a public health alert by detecting a dangerous opioid in pills falsely sold as oxycodone.

An ANU-led study on CanTEST's first six months revealed insightful data: one-in-ten samples were discarded after testing, and more than half were not what users expected. These findings highlight the critical need for drug checking services across Australia.

The research on these three new substances is published in the journal Drug Testing and Analysis. CanTEST's collaborative effort involves Directions Health Services, Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy, Pill Testing Australia, ACT Health, and ANU scientists and doctors.

As Australia grapples with the emergence of these new drugs, the spotlight is on CanTEST's invaluable contribution to drug safety and public health awareness.