A Dutch institute issues a ‘Red Alert’ over potentially lethal Trump-shaped ecstasy pills

The Dutch Trimbos Institute issued a "Red Alert" on Friday, cautioning users about potentially lethal ecstasy pills shaped like the head of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The institute stated that several of these pills have been turned in at centers that test drugs for users prior to consumption.

In their warning, the Trimbos Institute described the pills as having a depiction of Trump's head on one side and "NL" and "Trump" stamped into the surface on the other side, separated by a vertical line. One pill had a green face, while another was yellow.

The institute issued a "Red Alert" on its website and social media platforms, informing users that these pills contain a high concentration of PMMA (para-methoxymethamphetamine), a chemical akin to MDMA, the primary component of ecstasy pills. However, PMMA has a slower onset than MDMA, which could lead users to take more of the drug due to the perception that the initial pill was ineffective. This increased consumption could result in overdosing, with a risk of overheating and potentially fatal consequences.

Anniek Groothuis, a spokesperson for the Trimbos Institute, clarified that there have been no documented cases of serious illness or fatalities among individuals who might have used these pills. Groothuis told The Associated Press that the institute lacks any records of victims with PMMA detected in their blood.

Despite producing, selling, and using ecstasy being illegal in the Netherlands, the substance remains widely used, particularly at clubs and music festivals. A government report from 2024 indicated that approximately 550,000 people consumed the drug within a year.