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12/02/2015
PHA Issues Warning Over Ecstasy Pills
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a warning over a dangerous new ecstasy tablet which could be in circulation in Northern Ireland.
The warning comes after a number of people were hospitalised in England after taking yellow tablets marked with a 'UPS' logo. A number of pills with a similar appearance have now been seized in the north west region of NI.
Two seizures of tablets have taken place in L'derry and one in Portstewart within the last number of days.
The PHA warning is for the MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) drug.
The agency added that it is using its early warning system to raise awareness of the risks of all drug misuse in light of this and urges those who feel unwell after taking drugs to seek urgent medical help.
The main three risks from using MDMA are heatstroke, water intoxication caused by drinking too much fluid, and heart failure.
Owen O'Neill, the PHA's Lead on Drugs and Alcohol, said: "While recent stimulant-related deaths in Northern Ireland have involved pills sold as MDMA which have in fact contained other, more toxic drugs, it is important to remember that pills containing only MDMA can also prove deadly."
Detective Inspector Andy Dunlop said: "In recent days police have made seizures of these tablets in Derry and Portstewart – two in Derry and one in Portstewart.
"Three people have been arrested. One seizure in Derry amounted to 1,200 tablets. A number of alerts have been circulated to particular interest groups but we believe it is now appropriate to advise the general public about this risk."
(JP)
The warning comes after a number of people were hospitalised in England after taking yellow tablets marked with a 'UPS' logo. A number of pills with a similar appearance have now been seized in the north west region of NI.
Two seizures of tablets have taken place in L'derry and one in Portstewart within the last number of days.
The PHA warning is for the MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) drug.
The agency added that it is using its early warning system to raise awareness of the risks of all drug misuse in light of this and urges those who feel unwell after taking drugs to seek urgent medical help.
The main three risks from using MDMA are heatstroke, water intoxication caused by drinking too much fluid, and heart failure.
Owen O'Neill, the PHA's Lead on Drugs and Alcohol, said: "While recent stimulant-related deaths in Northern Ireland have involved pills sold as MDMA which have in fact contained other, more toxic drugs, it is important to remember that pills containing only MDMA can also prove deadly."
Detective Inspector Andy Dunlop said: "In recent days police have made seizures of these tablets in Derry and Portstewart – two in Derry and one in Portstewart.
"Three people have been arrested. One seizure in Derry amounted to 1,200 tablets. A number of alerts have been circulated to particular interest groups but we believe it is now appropriate to advise the general public about this risk."
(JP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be a cold evening and night with a frost. It will be largely dry, but a few wintry showers towards the north coast overnight. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
