One of the north-east’s most senior police officers has urged people to be “mindful of what they are consuming” after five men in their 20s were rushed to hospital having allegedly taken ecstasy at a house party.
Police officers and paramedics were called to the property on Westhill Crescent in the Aberdeenshire town on Monday morning at 3.45am following reports of “multiple casualties”.
The force has now launched an investigation into the incident.
The men were admitted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on Monday morning in a “stable condition” but have since been released.
Four ambulances and a special operations response team were called to the property in Westhill after the five became “unwell”.
One of the men is believed to have collapsed after taking the class-A drug.
Yesterday, area commander for Aberdeenshire’s South, chief inspector Richard Craig, said the incident is now a “live case” with officers piecing together the events of the night.
He urged people to take “responsibility for their actions” moving towards Hogmanay and warned the public to be “mindful of what they are consuming”.
Ch Insp Craig said: “We have got officers in the process of obtaining statements as we speak from people at the party.
“My position is, if you or anyone you know were at the party or knows anyone who has any information, get in touch.
“It is a live investigation, it will continue for the rest of the week.”
He added there was “no threat to public health”, adding: “We still need to ascertain the substance which caused these people to land in hospital.
“I would urge members of the public to enjoy the festive period, but to do so in a safe and responsible way.”
The Scottish Ambulance Service said its large-scale response was due to the fact they had received reports of “multiple casualties”.
A spokesman said: “We received an emergency call at 3.45am to the address with reports of multiple patients who had taken unwell.
“We sent four ambulances and a special operations response team. They attend when there are multiple casualties.
“Five male casualties were all transported to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in a stable condition.”