02/07/2013
PCSP Reiterates PSNI Drugs Message
Members of the East Belfast District Policing and Community Safety Partnership (DPCSP) have reiterated statements by the Chief Medical Officer and the PSNI regarding eight recent unexplained deaths in Northern Ireland.
The deaths, which occurred in people in their 20s and 30s, are thought to have been caused by contaminated green pills which are currently circulating in Northern Ireland.
Police suspect the victims may have taken them thinking they were ecstasy tablets.
"Whilst the cause of death cannot be confirmed as being drug related, the DPCSP would support the PSNI's warning to members of the public about the dangers of taking controlled drugs," a statement said.
"Do not take prescription drugs which have not been prescribed for you and do not mix with alcohol."
Following the deaths, a statement from the PSNI said: "Police are investigating eight sudden and unexplained deaths, seven of which are in the Greater Belfast area and one is in the North West area over the past number of weeks involving people in their 20s and 30s.
"It cannot be confirmed that any of these deaths are drugs related at this stage and investigations are ongoing. Police are waiting for the results of forensic tests before deciding on an appropriate course of action."
The statement said drug users should be wary of green coloured tablets with a logo of a crown or castle on them.
"The consequences of ignoring this advice are very dangerous and potentially life-threatening," the statement added.
Sinn Féin MLA Sue Ramsey said: "The people bringing these drugs to Ireland and those selling them are killing our people. We need these drugs taken off the streets immediately and those responsible for importing and distributing them brought before the courts.
"In addition to the police doing their work, the health authorities need to make sure that the public are aware of the dangers of these drugs.
"I would appeal to people to be vigilant and any information that they may have regarding these drugs should be passed immediately to the PSNI so that lives can be saved."
(IT/CD)
The deaths, which occurred in people in their 20s and 30s, are thought to have been caused by contaminated green pills which are currently circulating in Northern Ireland.
Police suspect the victims may have taken them thinking they were ecstasy tablets.
"Whilst the cause of death cannot be confirmed as being drug related, the DPCSP would support the PSNI's warning to members of the public about the dangers of taking controlled drugs," a statement said.
"Do not take prescription drugs which have not been prescribed for you and do not mix with alcohol."
Following the deaths, a statement from the PSNI said: "Police are investigating eight sudden and unexplained deaths, seven of which are in the Greater Belfast area and one is in the North West area over the past number of weeks involving people in their 20s and 30s.
"It cannot be confirmed that any of these deaths are drugs related at this stage and investigations are ongoing. Police are waiting for the results of forensic tests before deciding on an appropriate course of action."
The statement said drug users should be wary of green coloured tablets with a logo of a crown or castle on them.
"The consequences of ignoring this advice are very dangerous and potentially life-threatening," the statement added.
Sinn Féin MLA Sue Ramsey said: "The people bringing these drugs to Ireland and those selling them are killing our people. We need these drugs taken off the streets immediately and those responsible for importing and distributing them brought before the courts.
"In addition to the police doing their work, the health authorities need to make sure that the public are aware of the dangers of these drugs.
"I would appeal to people to be vigilant and any information that they may have regarding these drugs should be passed immediately to the PSNI so that lives can be saved."
(IT/CD)
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