Garda warning after Galway Ecstasy haul

A batch of Ecstasy-type pills which have been linked to three deaths in recent weeks, with a further four fatalities under investigation, was seized by Gardaí in Galway.

The Western Regional Task Force has issued a warning about the amphetamines sold as Ecstasy (MDMA) currently in circulation nationally, which could be mixed with other potentially lethal substances.

The tablets come in an even wider variety of shapes, colours and sizes than previously seen. Examples include Green Apples, Green Rolexes, Ninjas, Superman Crests, Blue Stars, Dominos, Crosses, Hearts and Ghosts.

“The Ecstasy on sale may be of greater strength or increased purity than has been commonly seen over the past few years. Some tablets may also have other substances added, such as PMA or PMMA. These substances have led to fatalities in Ireland and elsewhere in Europe,” explained Fiona Walsh of the Task Force.

The European early warning system for drug use has highlighted other new substances such as MDPV or 5-IT – often marketed as Benzo fury. These may also be sold as Ecstasy and have been linked to over 100 fatalities across the European Union.

“If someone continues to use drugs they should make themselves aware of available harm-reduction advice. Always avoid mixing Ecstasy with alcohol. Combining Ecstasy with any other drug can lead to even more unpredictable effects than using Ecstasy by itself. Anyone experiencing side effects should seek urgent medical help.”

While there have been no hospitalisations or deaths linked to the drugs in Galway, recent seizures in Galway, Clare, Dublin, Cork and Westmeath have led Gardaí to believe the drugs are available across the country.

Last March, Gardaí carried out a planned search of a house in the Laurel Park area of Galway City and seized Ecstasy tablets with an estimated street value of €40,000.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.