Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Netherlands Issues Red Alert Over Trump-Shaped Ecstasy Pills
Dutch experts found ecstasy pills shaped like Donald Trump’s head.
They warned people not to take them.
The pills contain a dangerous chemical called PMMA.
PMMA is similar to the drug MDMA, which is commonly found in ecstasy.
PMMA may take longer to produce effects.
Someone might take another pill before the first one works.
That could cause a very serious or deadly overdose.
Experts said the pills can also cause dangerous overheating.
No confirmed deaths or serious illnesses from these specific pills had been reported at the time.
The Trimbos Institute warned people not to use Trump-shaped ecstasy pills found in the Netherlands.
Testing showed the tablets contained a high concentration of PMMA, a substance similar to MDMA.
PMMA can take longer to work, potentially leading users to take more pills and overdose.
The tablets may cause overheating with potentially deadly consequences, according to Trimbos.
No confirmed serious illnesses or deaths linked to these pills had been reported when the warning was issued.
- Who
- The Trimbos Institute and its spokesperson Anniek Groothuis issued the warning.
- What
- A Dutch drug and mental health institute warned against using Trump-shaped ecstasy pills containing a high concentration of PMMA.
- When
- The warning was issued on Friday, August 28; the year was not specified.
- Where
- The pills were submitted to drug-testing centres in the Netherlands.
- Why
- PMMA can take longer to produce effects, increasing the risk that users take more and suffer a potentially fatal overdose or overheating.
- Warning level
- Trimbos issued a “Red Alert” and said: “Absolutely do not use these pills.”
- Substance detected
- The tablets contained a high concentration of para-methoxymethamphetamine, or PMMA.
- Pill design
- The tablets depicted Donald Trump’s head and carried the markings “NL” and “Trump.”
- Colours reported
- The pills were found in at least green and yellow colours.
- Main danger
- The institute warned of overheating and potentially deadly consequences.
- Confirmed victims
- No confirmed serious illnesses or deaths linked to the pills had been reported when the warning was issued.
- Drug use estimate
- A Dutch government report estimated that about 550,000 people used ecstasy in the Netherlands during 2024.