A drugs expert has warned about the dangers of taking “highly dangerous” super strength yellow UPS ecstasy tablets.
Professor Oscar D’Agnone, the medical director for health and social care charity CRI (Crime Reduction Initiatives) has issued a stark warning after six people were taken to hospital after taking the tablets at a Middlesbrough nightclub.
“The fact that six people in Middlesborough were hospitalised after taking the super strength yellow ‘UPS’ ecstasy tablets is extremely worrying,” said Professor D’Agnone, who is also an honorary professor at the University of Manchester.
“This drug is highly dangerous, which is why it’s particularly concerning that it’s being more widely distributed around northern parts of the UK.
“Some people may think that because the pill is branded with a recognised logo it’s safer to use but this is incredibly misleading.
“We need to expose how dangerous substances such as this one are and do everything we can to make sure it is taken out of circulation as quickly as possible.
“Our advice to anyone thinking of taking these super strength pills is simple: do not take them as it’s not worth the risk.”
All six young people who were treated at James Cook University Hospital after taking high strength “UPS” ecstasy tablets at a “RIFF RAFF” night in the Medicine Bar on Corporation Road on Saturday night have since been discharged from hospital.
Professor D’Agnone’s comments come after drugs charity The Loop posted a warning about the potent batch of ecstasy, believed to originate in Switzerland, at the weekend.
The group said tests had shown the pills were three times stronger than average MDMA.
It said: “Please remember that MDMA is, in itself, a dangerous and potentially life-threatening drug and there have been several recent well documented fatalities caused by people taking high doses of MDMA.”
The UPS tablets are also believed to be in circulation in Manchester and Lancashire, the charity said.
Cleveland Police has confirmed they are currently investigating the source of the tablets and are appealing for people to come forward with any information that could help in their investigation.
The force also issued a photograph of the tablets so that parents and young people are aware of what they look like and ensure they avoid them.
A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “Police received information via a third party and conducted initial inquiries to identify those involved.
“As a result of the information received a safety warning was issued.
“Inquiries are ongoing to establish how the drugs came into the possession of those affected by them and we would encourage anyone with information regarding them to contact police on 101 or call the confidential drugs hotline on 0800 092 9702.”
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