Bath Salts Epidemic: Pentylone Use Surges by 75%, Experts Warn

As law enforcement intensifies efforts against illegal substances, experts from the University of South Australia have raised concerns about the consumption of the synthetic stimulant pentylone. Recent studies reveal a 75% surge in its detection throughout Australia.

In a new study as part of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission’s National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program, researchers identified 20 different novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in wastewater treatment plants across Australia (between Feb 22-23) with pentylone detected at every collection site. Other NPS, eutylone, and phenibut were also commonly detected.

Pentylone, (street name ‘bath salts’), is a highly potent and unpredictable synthetic cathinone*, producing similar effects to stimulants such as methamphetamine or MDMA. This group of drugs produces stronger effects that wear off faster, leading to more frequent use.