Dilemma as athlete tests positive to party drug BZP

A New Zealand athlete has tested positive to party drug BZP (benzylpiperazine), presenting a dilemma for the sporting industry.

The drug is sold in capsules with names such as "Blast" and "Charge", and is legal and readily available.

The New Zealand Sports Drug Agency (NZSDA) said BZP is not specifically named on the World Anti-Doping Agency's (Wada) prohibited list, but is classified as a stimulant with performance enhancing potential.

NZSDA executive director Graeme Steel said the situation is new here, and under Wada rules the drug is effectively banned.

He wouldn't identify the sport involved and said it was now up to the sport's management to deal with the issue.

- NZPA