Two people are dead after taking a ‘blue pill’ over the bank holiday weekend.
They died after taking the unidentified drug together in Southall, West London, according to Ealing Council.
Their deaths have prompted warnings to anyone else who may have the drugs.
The council said: ‘Please remember, there is no way of knowing what is in any pill or drug that is bought illegally, or how your body will react.
‘If you, or anyone you are with, starts to feel unwell after taking any pill or drug, go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department or call 999.
‘Always seek medical attention and do not try to sleep it off or drink lots of water.’
Warning signs of an overdose
- Blue or pale lips or fingertips
- Falling unconscious
- Very light, shallow breathing or no breathing
- Loud raspy ‘snoring’ or gurgling
While it is not yet confirmed what was in the Southall pills, experts say similar cases across the UK have involved dangerous synthetic substances.
Mandrake, a drug harm reduction group at Manchester Metropolitan University, said mysterious powder had led to fatalities in the city.
They warned that beige samples of powder were being mis-sold as MDMA.
In fact, it contained synthetic cathinones – stimulants designed to mimic the effects of khat, a psychoactive drug widely used in Africa.
However, lab-made versions are much stronger and less predictable, making users feel hyper, euphoric or alert.
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They can also cause paranoia, overheating, heart problems, or even death.
Authorities urge anyone in possession of unknown pills or powders to avoid taking them and to seek advice from harm reduction services.
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