Party drug claims 15 victims

At least 15 people have collapsed in just two weeks after taking "bad" amphetamines, it was learned yesterday.

The drugs are being sold in Darwin's pubs and clubs.

The drug, believed to be ecstasy, is causing severe reactions in users.

Some have collapsed in the street, a worker said.

Other reactions reported have included extreme sweating, dehydration, strong stomach pains, dilated pupils and a racing heart rate.

"They're overheating," one club staffer said. "We get them out as fast as we can
and send them home in a cab.

"No one is calling an ambulance for these people because no one wants to get the
authorities involved.

"It's dangerous -- something really bad is going to happen soon. Someone could die. These are not people who are in a condition where they should be sent home by themselves -- anything could happen."

The Health Department said it had not noticed an increase in the number of people presenting at the Royal Darwin Hospital emergency department with drug overdoses.

Police said they were not aware of the bad batch of ecstasy.

All the information the Northern Territory News has on the drugs has been passed on to the NT drug enforcement section.

Three people in Darwin and Tennant Creek collapsed in October last year after taking ecstasy pills from another "bad batch".

Police have said anyone badly affected by the drugs should not avoid seeking medical help because of fear of prosecution.

Last month police took the step of warning the public about the potentially fatal effects of batches of amphetamines being manufactured in backyard labs and sold in the Territory.

"The unlawful manufacturing of these drugs is undertaken by untrained people in
unhygienic conditions and the use and manufacture of these drugs is extremely
dangerous," Superintendent Kris Evans said.

Anyone with information can phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: 5th June 2004
Source: Northern Territory News
Author: Edith Bevin
Website: http://www.ntnews.com.au
Email: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Copyright: 2004 Northern Territory News