Drugs that claimed the lives of two people in London last week have been identified.
A 28-year-old man and 20-year-old woman died in Southall, west London, after taking the mysterious drug at a nightclub.
Their bodies were found the next day at a house in Ealing and another person was taken to hospital.
It is believed they may have thought they were buying ecstasy or powerful painkiller oxycodone. However, it is now known they contained nitazenes – a class of highly potent synthetic opioids which, in their pure form can be up to 500 times stronger than heroin.
Nightclubs are now warning people about the drugs, which are a blue-green colour and have 80 on one side and OP on the other.
The Cause, a club in east London, said: ‘With several hospitalisations across multiple London venues, we strongly advise you don’t engage with it and warn your friends.
‘Look after yourselves. If you, any of your close ones or someone in the crowd feels unwell this weekend, speak to any member of staff immediately.’
Charity drug checker The Loop warned that these drugs are often sold under the pretence they are oxycodone, which is a prescription painkiller, or ecstasy pills.
Ealing 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.’
Latest London news
Warning signs of an overdose
- Blue or pale lips or fingertips
- Falling unconscious
- Loud raspy ‘snoring’ or gurgling
- Very light, shallow breathing or no breathing
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