Zara Snapp is director of Instituto RIA, leading research and advocacy in drug policy and harm reduction interventions in Mexico. She has degrees from Harvard and the University of Colorado thanks to full scholarships. Zara is the author of Dictionary of Drugs and advises YouthRISE and Acción Técnica Social.

The fear of fentanyl has swept across Latin America, driving policies and narratives that perpetuate anxiety and misinformation. However, the actual presence of fentanyl in recreational drug markets may differ from these alarmist portrayals. In central Mexico, Checa tu Sustancia, a project of Instituto RIA, has been conducting drug checking in both party and community settings over the past year, shedding light on the reality of adulterants.

In addition to the challenges of drug adulteration, security concerns within the Mexican context complicate efforts to provide harm reduction services. Despite these risks, Checa tu Sustancia has made strides in building trust among people who use drugs, as well as with key players in the nightlife scene, such as promoters and producers. This trust is essential for promoting drug checking, informed decision-making and creating safer environments for drug use.

The presentation will share findings from Checa tu Sustancia, including the most common adulterants, trends in drug composition, and the prevalence (or absence) of fentanyl in samples. Our data offers insights into the substances that users are consuming and the potential risks or benefits that are perceived.

In a context where fear often dominates the conversation, it is critical to shift the narrative towards one that prioritizes harm reduction, informed consumption, and pleasure management. By centering the needs and safety of people who use drugs, we can develop more effective, evidence-based policies and interventions. This presentation will also highlight the importance of trust-building and collective care within the nightlife community, demonstrating how collaboration with event organizers can foster spaces for safer drug use and promote a culture of informed decision-making.