Police issue a drug warning as a 15-year-old boy collapses after taking MDMA

Durham Constabulary are appealing for information as the teenager collapsed after he is thought to have taken a mixture of cannabis and MDMA.
By Ryan Smith
Published 26th Oct 2020, 17:40 BST
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Officers suspect that the 15-year-old had a bad reaction during the incident on October 14 after taking a mixture of illegal drugs, including MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy.

Police have now warned that the MDMA market is one of the most impure illicit drug markets, meaning it often is cut with other substances.

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The teenager was found unconscious by the River Tees in Barnard Castle and was taken to hospital where he will hopefully make a full recovery.

Durham Constabulary have issued a drugs warning after a 15-year-old collapses after allegedly taking MDMA.Durham Constabulary have issued a drugs warning after a 15-year-old collapses after allegedly taking MDMA.
Durham Constabulary have issued a drugs warning after a 15-year-old collapses after allegedly taking MDMA.

This latest incident follows the sad death of 18-year-old Mark Johnston from Washington, who allegedly took MDMA on Saturday, October 3.

Seven people have been arrested in connection with Mark’s death and a fundraiser has been launched to help support his family.

Durham Constabulary have confirmed that they have started an investigation into the incident in Barnard Castle and have said the situation could have ended very differently.

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Sergeant Angela Drasdo commented: “An investigation is underway and several other individuals are also to be interviewed.

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“Illegal drugs can prove fatal and thankfully this teenager will hopefully make a full recovery but it could have been a different story.

“A full investigation is underway but I would urge anyone who is offered drugs to think twice about taking them.”

Police are urging members of the public any information about this incident or any other drug related intelligence to call them via 101 quoting incident reference number 319 of October 14.

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