One dead, one critical from toxic batch of drugs, police fear
POLICE fear a toxic batch of ecstasy has claimed the life of one man and left a teenager in hospital in a critical condition.
Law & Order
Don't miss out on the headlines from Law & Order. Followed categories will be added to My News.
POLICE fear a toxic batch of ecstasy has claimed the life of one man and left a teenager in hospital in a critical condition.
Up to 20 clubbers were hospitalised after taking the dodgy batch of drugs in Chapel Street nightclubs over the weekend.
Investigators believe a 30-year-old man who died in Elwood on Friday night may have taken drugs from the batch.
The youngest victim, a 17-year-old boy, is currently at The Alfred in a critical but stable condition after ingesting the drugs.
Police warn of potent new deadly drugs
A 30-year-old man from a Melbourne address has been charged with traffic and possession of MDMA and possession proceeds of crime.
Police have warned clubbers to be wary of the risks of taking ecstasy, also known as MDMA, from the batch and fear many more people may have been taken ill.
Detective Senior Sergeant David Newman, of Port Phillip CIU, told the Herald Sun patients were presenting at hospital suffering with strong side effects including hallucinations, extreme aggression and seizures.
Chapel Street nightclub Revolver warned patrons that the “very dangerous” drugs “can cause violent reactions, severe hallucinations and may result in death”.
“Do not risk your life with these drugs,” club management posted on Facebook.
Investigators swooped to arrest the 30-year-old man at 4am on Sunday morning after they were tipped off by staff at a Chapel Street club.
The victims age in range from 17 to 35, with the majority at The Alfred hospital.
“We know of around 20 so far but there are probably a fair few more out there,” Snr Sgt Newman said.
“An individual’s reaction to this is always different ... there is no reason to hesitate if someone you’re with has taken drugs and starts to have an adverse reaction.
“There is always a risk whenever someone chooses to take drugs on a night out but clearly this risk is particularly heightened at the moment with what we’ve seen this weekend.”
A number of properties around Melbourne CBD were raided after police made an arrest.
“A number of drugs were located and are being tested now,” Snr Sgt Newman said.
“We are not looking at one club in particular but a number of clubs in that (Chapel Street) precinct.”
Forensic examination of drugs to determine purity levels can often take weeks.
It is believed clubbers were taking drugs from the bad batch on both Friday and Saturday night.
Snr Sgt Newman urged clubbers to think twice in the coming weeks.
“Drugs such as MDMA are dangerous and manufactured by criminals with absolutely no regard for the safety of the people who take them,” he said.
“It’s important that people realise they’re putting themselves in danger of not just hospitalisation, but permanent disability or even death by consuming these drugs.
“We want people to come and have a fun and safe night out, and the last thing police want to be doing is knocking on your family’s door because a tragedy has happened.
“It is a completely avoidable risk.”
He also urged anybody who believes they may have taken drugs from the bad batch to seek medical help immediately.
“You might be worried to call triple-0 because you think you’re going to get in trouble, however any delay could mean the difference between life and death,” he said.
“The priority of emergency services will be to ensure anyone who is unwell gets the treatment they need.”