A WARNING HAS been issued over ecstasy tablets which carry what has been described as a ‘UPS’ logo.
A warning has been issued over the potentially dangerous nature of the pills after a number of individuals were hospitalised in England with tablets that were similar in appearance.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) – the body responsible for issuing such warnings in Northern Ireland – has urged those feeling unwell to seek medical help immediately.
Seizures have taken place in the past number of days in Derry and Portstewart. In one seizure in Derry 1,200 tablets were found.
Potential danger
The product has come into circulation in Northern Ireland with a batch of the product being seized by security services in recent days.
The PHA are warning individuals of the dangers of drug misuse and that with these types of tablets – there is the potential that they may contain more toxic drugs. The agency also emphasise that pills containing only MDMA can also be extremely dangerous.
The three main dangers that the group identify are heatstroke, water intoxication caused by drinking too much fluid, and heart failure.
Safe use
While advising against using drugs, the PHA accepts that in certain instances some people will still decide to take them. In such instances, it advises people to:
The group also state that it is more dangerous for people to take drugs on their own, if they are depressed, on medication or have a different medical condition.
Speaking about the seizure, Detective Inspector Andy Dunlop from the PSNI Organised Crime Branch, said:
MDMA is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening drug and there have been well documented fatalities caused by people taking this substance.
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