Updated 10.28pm
THE DRUG RESPONSIBLE for hospitalising six people in Cork earlier this week has been identified.
It was initially reported that a psychoactive designer drug known as 2C-B had been consumed at a house party.
However, a spokesperson for the Department of Health said a” small quantity of substance which is believed to be the original batch and source of the material involved in the specific incidences in Cork” has been seized.
It has been identified as 25I-NBOMe, a derivative of the 2C family of drugs and sometimes referred to as N-BOMe or by its street name N-Bomb.
This is a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act, and mimics the effects of LSD and methamphetamine.
It also often comes as a tab or blotter, as seen below.
A seizure of N-Bomb made in Chile last year.
The HSE took the step this afternoon of issuing a wider warning, pertaining to the broader family of 2C drugs.
These include, according to a HSE statement this afternoon:
The drugs are also known by their street names:
These drugs can be sold in liquid, powder and tablet form “and are consumed at parties or clubs for their stimulant, mood altering and in some cases, aphrodisiac effect,” according to the HSE.
“However, it is generally reported that these drugs can have serious side effects both from a psychological and physical viewpoint.
“Such side effects include paranoia, hallucinations (both auditory and visual), gastrointestinal effects and kidney problems.
“Young people are advised that there is no quality control on these drugs.
There are problems with purity and contaminants, and there is no way of checking that what is purchased or consumed is the intended substance.
Party pills
Given the serious side-effects experienced by the young people in Cork, the HSE is warning about possible contaminated ‘party pills’ and advising people not to consume any unknown substances they may be offered.
According to this afternoon’s statement:
If you have concerns around drug use please contact the confidential HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline at freephone 1800 459 459 or email helpline@hse.ie. Information can also be accessed at www.drugs.ie.
The six young people were hospitalised after a house party in the south of Cork on Monday night and the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Four people have been questioned and released by gardaí in connection with the case.
One person remains in hospital in Cork this afternoon. The other five have been released.
Originally published 3.25pm. Additional reporting by Nicky Ryan
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