The Southern police district had 571mg, while Wellington had 529mg. The three districts are the only ones to have a greater number than the national average.
In February 2020 MDMA use was up by 296 per cent in Canterbury from the month prior, which police attribute to the Electric Avenue music festival, alongside university orientation events.
Canterbury district organised crime manager Detective Senior Sergeant Joel Syme said police were concerned about the region’s high usage rate.
Stuff understands police across the country are targeting those supplying the drug. It is unclear whether the organised criminal groups behind the supply are gangs or a white-collar criminal syndicate wanting a slice of the pie.