One man dead and four critically ill after taking 'pink champagne' MDMA
ONE man is dead and four are critically ill in hospital after taking a "highly potent" form of the drug MDMA, police said.
One man had died and several others are critically ill after taking ‘pink champagne’
The 26-year-old from Rochdale was one of a number thought to have taken a drug known locally as "pink champagne" or "magic" who were rushed to casualty over the weekend, Greater Manchester Police said.
Another 26-year-old man was arrested and later bailed on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs.
Detectives believe the drug comes in a crystal form, with "many of the people police have spoken to saying that this is the first time they have seen or heard of the drug".
Chief Superintendent Neil Evans said: “Sadly a man has now died as a result of taking what we believe is an MDMA based drug.
“His death comes as four others are in a critical condition after a total number of 11 were hospitalised over the weekend after taking the drug.
“This is incredibly worrying and, with our colleagues from the NHS, we are doing all that we can to warn people against taking the drug and help those who may have taken it.
Many people claim this is the first time they have seen or heard of the drug
Sadly a man has now died as a result of taking what we believe is an MDMA based drug
“So please, if you believe that you or somebody you know has taken the drug and begins showing symptoms then get yourselves to the hospital immediately.
“We have a full team working on the police investigation.
“We are appealing for anyone with any information about where this drug is coming from to get in touch as soon as possible.
All you need to know about MDMA (Ecstasy)
A total of 11 people were hospitalised over the weekend due to the drug
“An urgent line of inquiry is to understand exactly what the substance taken is and steps are being taken in that regard.
“I would like to reiterate the dangers of taking this or any recreational drug.
“We have sadly had one person tragically die as a result of taking MDMA this weekend and others are fighting for their lives.
“We will be supporting their devastated families .... I hope we don’t have to support even more families.”