Drug trends under scrutiny after third seizure of new synthetic stimulant

CMC, also known as 4-CMC or chloromethcathinone, is sometimes described as a 'poor' substitute for ecstasy, with stronger stimulant effects but less of the 'love drug' effect.

Health experts are keeping a close eye on drug trends after what is thought to be the third seizure in Ireland of a new synthetic stimulant.

It comes as the State’s forensic testing agency plans a series of measures to improve drug testing services amid calls from HSE bosses for more active monitoring of the market to allow for speedy alerts to drug users.