ORGANISED Crime Squad detectives are further warning the public about what could be a “bad batch” of MDMA (ecstasy) tablets circulating in Western Australia.
During New Years Eve celebrations at least 21 people were admitted to metropolitan-based hospitals and further people were admitted to hospitals in the South West.
This alarming spike in hospital admissions was followed up by immediate investigations by WA Police to identify what substances were linked to the overdoses.
It is not known what substances were taken by all of the people who were admitted to hospital, but based on information provided by those people who wished to provide information and seizures made by police officers on the night, there has been a consistent reference to a small number of pills.
Those pills include:
- Batman Blue;
- Batman Light Blue;
- Sandy;
- Cookies ‘n’ Cream; and
- Lightning Bolt.
A number of the pills were seized in Perth, Fremantle and the South West and have been subjected to chemical analysis.
The results of the analysis to date have not indicated any specific reason for the spike in hospital admissions, however they do highlight the varying purity of the MDMA pills analysed.
It is possible that other MDMA pills were taken, or copies of pills were taken that had other chemicals present.
As an example two similar pills were analysed.
While one contained dangerous illicit drug compounds and the other only contained caffeine, both would have been sold for the same price to unsuspecting buyers.
On this occasion it was caffeine, but a WA Police spokesperson said who knows what it could be next time as previous seizures have included washing powder, chalk, and even crushed glass.
Detective Inspector Chris Adams from the Serious and Organised Crime division said the fact there is an unknown cause for the spike in presentations, and the fact people may be considering using those same illicit drugs at upcoming music festivals and Australia Day celebrations, has heightened concerns
“Every time you decide to use illicit drugs you are playing a dangerous game of chance with your life,” he said.
“No illicit drugs are safe to use, and what we saw on the streets over New Years Eve has us even more concerned.
“Even if word gets around on the streets that a drug is ‘safe’ to use, you can never be sure that the drug you are buying is not a copy and that is when the risks may increase even more, as you won’t know what has been put in the pills you are taking.
“The varying purity and ingredients of these drugs highlights the risks you take when you use illicit drugs.
“The people who make and/or sell these pills have a complete disregard for the welfare of those taking them; all they care about is the profit they make.
“If you know anything about people supplying drugs, whether it be to your friends, your family, or anyone else, please come forward.
“We will act on the information you provide in a confidential manner and you could help us save a life, possibly even someone you know and care about.”
Anyone who is in possession of illicit drugs, in particular MDMA pills purchased in the lead up to New Years Eve matching these descriptions, or who believe they have purchased illicit drugs from the same suppliers is urged not to use the drugs, and to dispose of them safely.
Anyone with information regarding the distribution of illicit drugs is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Callers can remain anonymous.
