Yahoo News Man who took dangerous new party drug dies as four others fight for life
A man has died and four others are fighting for their lives in hospital after taking what is believed to be a form of MDMA over the weekend.
An urgent warning was issued after seven people became seriously ill after taking the super-strong MDMA crystals.
Greater Manchester Police said the drug, which is thought to be known locally as “pink champagne” or “magic” and comes in dyed-pink crystal form, is highly potent.
Seven revellers have been hospitalised in total. Four men became extremely ill on Saturday and had to be taken to hospital. While two of them were released, the other two stayed in intensive care.
On top of this, an additional three people from Oldham were transported to hospital on Sunday. The group included two men and a woman and all three were fighting for their lives – with the woman and one of the men in a critical condition and the other male in a serious condition.
Greater Manchester Police said a 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs and is still in custody for questioning.
Police said warning signs to be wary of included rigid muscles, shallow breathing, a rapidly racing pulse, foaming at the mouth, unconsciousness and hyper-aggression.
Detective Inspector Jim Faulkner of Oldham said the mounting number of people affected is causing the police force “no end of concern”.
He said: “Please, if you believe that you or somebody you know has taken the drug and begins showing these symptoms then get yourselves to the hospital immediately."
“We have arrested one man in connection with the supply of the drugs – however, our enquiries and operational activity will be continuing.”
Online drugs forum experts have urged people to steer clear of the lethal crystals and some raised alarm bells they could include a mixture of speed and brown heroin. The pink crystals are thought to be a new strain that even experienced drug users have been unable to recognise.
Anybody with information that could assist the investigation should contact police on 0161 856 9063 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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Additional reporting by Press Association
