Latest news with #TheLoop
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
HSE warns on health risks of high potency ketamine and ecstasy as festival season gets under way
HSE experts have issued fresh warnings of the risks posed by ketamine, as new research from the Netherlands deepens concerns associated with the drug. Ketamine, an hallucinogenic drug that is increasingly popular among some young people, has featured in a number of drug hauls in Ireland this year and is typically seized alongside other 'party drugs', such as cocaine and MDMA (ecstasy). Last month, 4kgs of ketamine was seized in a drug-mixing and distribution factory in an industrial premises in West Dublin, along with smaller consignments of cocaine and MDMA. With the music festival season already begun, HSE drug experts are concerned at the potential use of ketamine — including new, and more potent, versions of the drug — and high-strength MDMA tablets. Over the weekend, British drug checking charity The Loop warned of MDMA pills circulating at the Parklife Festival in Manchester were three times a common adult dose. Dutch research just published has found an increase in first aid incidents in the country involving ketamine, often in combination with other substances such as alcohol and MDMA, which, it said, was 'leading to higher toxicity'. It said this was manifesting in symptoms like 'agitation, hallucinations, nausea, tachycardia [high heart beat] and hypertension [high blood pressure]'. The research expressed significant concern at the so-called 'ketamine bladder' or 'K bladder', saying there was 'significantly higher incidence' — up to six-times more — of uropathy, or blockage of urinary tract, among frequent ketamine users. 'Ketamine-induced uropathy is a growing concern, particularly among young adults, and requires early intervention to prevent disease progression,' the research said, adding 'immediate cessation of ketamine use is critical'. Patient cases in the research include a 24-year-old man presenting in hospital with severe lower abdominal pain and acute urine retention. It said a bladder scan showed 655ml of fluid retention and catheterisation was required. A follow-up check, one year later, found the man was suffering bladder cramps — also known as 'K cramps'. The severe effect known as a 'K hole' is caused by higher doses of the drug, characterised by profound dissociation or detachment and immobility, resembling near-death experiences. Commenting on the Dutch research, a statement from the HSE said: 'While the use of ketamine may not be as high as the Netherlands, it is clearly an issue in this country also. There is an ongoing concern in relation to ketamine use among young people. The HSE said it published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science last year, which highlighted the increasing use of, and clinical concerns associated with, the drug. It said the use of ketamine was again confirmed in the European SCORE Wastewater report, published earlier this year, which included Dublin for the first time. 'This is something that we have been seeing presenting to our HSE 'Safer Nightlife Programme' and 'back of house' drug testing service,' the statement said. It added newer analogues of ketamine, or a designer drug versions, were causing even more concern: 'Newer analogues of ketamine are appearing on the market that are much more potent, and therefore more likely to cause harm.' More information can be found on Read More European study shows Dublin's ketamine use reached same level as MDMA in 2024
Metro
5 days ago
- Metro
Drug warning issued ahead of Glastonbury after high-strength MDMA found at Parkl
Festival goers have been warned ahead of Glastonbury after a high-strength drug was found at Parklife last weekend. Pills known as 'Dior' and 'Pop Smoke', believed to be three times as strong as normal MDMA were found circulating at the event in Heaton Park, Manchester. Non-profit drug checking charity The Loop said it had discovered the potentially lethal pills, which tested at between 95 and 340mg MDMA or ecstasy. Experts say MDMA gives an initial euphoric rush, but has dangerous side effects. An overdose can lead to hospitalisation and even fatality. Polydrug use, the use of more than one drug simultaneously or mixing substances with alcohol, can further worsen effects. Festival-goers who ignore rules and are found with illegal substances risk being arrested and evicted from the site. Parklife operates a strict no drugs policy, with attendees advised: 'Please obey the law. Drugs are no more legal at a festival than in the outside world. Drug dealing and consumption will not be tolerated. Parklife has zero tolerance for legal highs.' The Loop also advised revellers to be seek medical attention if they or anyone else in their group experiences 'high body temperature, rigid muscles, excessive sweating, a racing pulse or heart, aggression, uncontrolled repetitive movements, vomiting or seizures'. More Trending It says people should stay hydrated and wait at least 90 minutes before redosing. It added in a statement on X: 'If planning on taking MDMA, be aware of the risks.' People have been known to die at festivals after consuming illegal substances. Ellie Rowe, 18, died while volunteering for Oxfam at Boomtown Festival in Hampshire after taking a toxic combination of ketamine and alcohol. Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ Or you can submit your videos and pictures here. For more stories like this, check our news page. Follow on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. MORE: Glastonbury boss confirms 'exciting plans' for Worthy Farm in 2026 despite fallow year MORE: Every single Glastonbury headliner by year – including last minute drop-outs MORE: Alleged samurai swordsman cooked his cat before 'killing 14-year-old schoolboy'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Warning as 'high strength' MDMA pills found at Parklife
Festival goers have been warmed after dangerous "high strength" pills were found at Parklife. A drug checking charity stationed at the event say that the "Dior" pills contain three times a common adult dose of MDMA. The charity, The Loop, has told anybody planning to take MDMA to "stay hydrated" and wait at least "90 minutes before redosing." READ MORE: 'I thought I was being scammed…and then she brought out the lasagna and everything changed' READ MORE: Aldi customers 'humiliated' after being asked to do one thing at checkout The group has also told festival goers to be aware of the signs of overdose, and for anybody who experiences "high body temperature, rigid muscles, excessive sweating, aggression, vomiting or seizures" to seek medical help. The drugs are also referred to as "Pop Smoke" in reference to the US rapper of the same name, who passed away in a deadly house invasion at an AirBnB in Los Angeles in 2020. In a post published on X, formerly known as Twitter, The Loop, said: "These pills tested by The Loop, contain up to 3x a common adult dose of MDMA. "Pill strengths tested on Saturday range between ~95-340mg MDMA. Take quarter sip water, wait at least 90 minutes before redosing. "Seek medical help if you experience high body temperature, rigid muscles, excessive sweating, racing/pulsing heart, aggression, uncontrolled repetitive movements, vomiting or seizures." --- Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@ or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What are nitazines, the drugs stronger than heroin that killed two people in the UK?
Image credits: Getty Images (Representative image) There is no upside to consuming drugs. While one may feel a sudden high that makes them forget all the lows of life for a while, their health will only suffer from the consumption of drugs. Take the case of a 28-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman who both died in suspected drug overdoses from highly potent synthetic opioids. An investigation into the "sudden deaths" of the man and woman in Southall on 26 May is underway, said the Metropolitan Police. "This is following reports that the individuals allegedly passed away after taking an illicit substance in the form of a green pill," a spokesperson for the force added. The Loop, a drug testing charity said the pills consumed by the two contained synthetic opioids called Nitazenes which can be "50 to 500 times stronger than heroin." Ealing Council said that the pills consumed by the two people who died had the number 80 on one side and possibly 'OP' on the other. The Cause, a nightclub in East London posted about the pills on their Instagram account informing people that there have been "several hospitalizations across multiple London venues." The West London council has also issued a warning on the same. What are Nitazenes? Image credits: Getty Images Nitazenes are laboratory-made high-strength synthetic opioid drugs that have effects similar to heroin. Originally developed in 1950s by researchers in Switzerland as an alternative to morphine, it was abandoned in clinical trials due to concerns about harmful effects. Since their effects can be 50 to 100 times higher than heroin, users have absolutely no idea of their potency. Once inside, the drug suppresses the respiratory system which leads to people dying due to loss of breath. However, the symptoms can be reversed by taking Naloxone, an antidote. A study published in The Lancet in 2024 stated that in the UK, nitazenes had been detected in substances sold as other opioids, benzodiazepines and cannabis products. Thus, one may not have any idea of what they are consuming and the risks they face. Most recent government data from May 2023 to June 2024, stated that 18 deaths were linked to nitazenes in London and 179 in England. According to an information bulletin by the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), it was in 2019 that nitazenes emerged in the illicit drug market in Europe and spread to North America, South America, Asia and Oceania. Today, at least 13 different types of nitzenes are known and out of them the most prevalent is isonitazene (ISO). ISO is 250 to 900 times more stronger than morphine and the most potent nitazene is up to 4,300 times stronger than morphine. These drugs are highly addictive and lead to disorientation, seizures, central nervous system or respiratory depression, cardiac arrest and more. Why and how do people use Nitazenes? Well, for similar reasons they consume any other drug. Nitazenes are synthetically engineered to mimic the effects of traditional opioids, Thus, people may use them for physical, mental or emotional disorders or to experience similar euphoria, sleepiness and reduced pain as by opioids. Nitazenes are available in numerous forms such as pills, powders, and sprays. Additionally, they can be pure or mixed with other drugs. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Independent
03-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Warning over synthetic opioid in blue-green pills linked to London nightclub deaths
Two people in their twenties have died in London after allegedly consuming a super-strong opioid drug, believed to be a nitazene, which can be hundreds of times stronger than heroin. The victims, a 20-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man, reportedly took the drug after visiting a club in south London over the May bank holiday weekend. Nightclub the Ministry of Sound issued a warning about blue-green pills marked with '80' being sold across London, which are suspected to contain synthetic opioids, ketamine, and MDMA, and are being mis-sold as ecstasy or oxycodone. Professor Fiona Measham, founder of drug checking charity The Loop, told The Times there had been two nitazene-related deaths per week in the UK, with the latest deaths appearing to leap from dependent to recreational users. The Metropolitan Police are investigating the deaths and awaiting toxicology results, while the Home Office stated they are working to tackle the threat from synthetic opioids but cannot endorse recreational drug testing.
