Menu
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 November 2024
Searches Conducted In L'Derry Regarding Paramilitary Activity
Police investigating drugs criminality linked to the INLA in L'Derry have conducted a number of searches today.
Searches Conducted In L'Derry Regarding Paramilitary Activity
Police investigating drugs criminality linked to the INLA in L'Derry have conducted a number of searches today.
25 November 2024
How A VIN Check Can Save You Thousands In Repairs
Buying a used car can be quite exciting, with no shortage of risks involved. One crucial step you can take to help cover yourself is performing a VIN check. Much crucial information related to the history of a car is contained in a Vehicle Identification Number, and a well-conducted check saves man from costlier mistakes.
How A VIN Check Can Save You Thousands In Repairs
Buying a used car can be quite exciting, with no shortage of risks involved. One crucial step you can take to help cover yourself is performing a VIN check. Much crucial information related to the history of a car is contained in a Vehicle Identification Number, and a well-conducted check saves man from costlier mistakes.
01 July 2013
Drug Warning Follows Eight Deaths
The PSNI has put out a warning to drug-users to avoid a green coloured tablet, thought to have caused eight sudden and unexplained deaths in Northern Ireland. Police are investigating the deaths, seven of which occurred in the Greater Belfast area and one in the North West area over the past number of weeks, involving people in their 20s and 30s.
Drug Warning Follows Eight Deaths
The PSNI has put out a warning to drug-users to avoid a green coloured tablet, thought to have caused eight sudden and unexplained deaths in Northern Ireland. Police are investigating the deaths, seven of which occurred in the Greater Belfast area and one in the North West area over the past number of weeks, involving people in their 20s and 30s.
20 November 2024
Three Arrested in L'Derry For Drug Offences
Police in L'Derry have arrested three people and seized drugs worth an estimated £600. The arrests were made following a proactive policing operation in the city. On Monday, 18 November, officers observed suspicious behaviour from a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in the Strand Road area.
Three Arrested in L'Derry For Drug Offences
Police in L'Derry have arrested three people and seized drugs worth an estimated £600. The arrests were made following a proactive policing operation in the city. On Monday, 18 November, officers observed suspicious behaviour from a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in the Strand Road area.
09 August 2023
PSNI And PHA Issues Dangers Of Drug Use Warning
The PSNI and the Public Health Agency (PHA) have issued a warning over the dangers of drug misuse, following a number of drugs related overdoses in Belfast recently. The warning comes amid ongoing media reports of an alleged "bad batch" of illegal drugs in Belfast.
PSNI And PHA Issues Dangers Of Drug Use Warning
The PSNI and the Public Health Agency (PHA) have issued a warning over the dangers of drug misuse, following a number of drugs related overdoses in Belfast recently. The warning comes amid ongoing media reports of an alleged "bad batch" of illegal drugs in Belfast.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
