A warning has been issued after it emerged that a batch of rogue Ecstasy tablets have been circulating in a Highland town.
The fake Ecstasy tablets have come to the attention of Oban Addiction Support Information Service (Oasis) after service users suffered severe reactions from taking them.
Nichola MacGilivray, project manager, said people had bought the blue tablets, thinking they were Ecstasy.
She said: “Since Christmas I have seen six or seven people who have had bad reactions after taking the pills, but we have heard of many more.
“They have described everything from overheating, to palpitations, and in more serious cases people have needed medical and even hospital attention, some have actually seizured.
“Some of the young people who have admitted to taking them have been drug tested by us and have not come up positive for MDMA or Ecstasy, so who knows what is in them? It is very concerning.”
The pills are described as being larger than normal Ecstasy tablets and oval shaped. They have been branded with different badges including Mercedes and Mitsubishi.
Miss MacGilivray added: “We have had a few call outs through our crisis service. It distorts the users’ face. When people take real Ecstasy their bottom jaw can stick out, but with these it is almost like the bottom jaw is dislocated. It is horrible. People can experience loss of control of their bowels and bladder.
“We would urge anyone who has taken them, and is feeling unwell, to seek medical attention straight away. If anyone would like any further information or advice, please do not hesitate to get in touch.”
She said that pills are very commonly used by service users in the 14-21 year old age bracket and that legal highs are a popular drug of choice within the 12-21 age group accessing the service.
A spokesman for NHS Highland said: “It is always best to avoid taking any substances, especially if you are unsure exactly what they contain.
“Street drugs, including Ecstasy, and new psychoactive substances (legal highs) are very often mixed with substances that can cause harm or are unfit for human consumption.
“There is also no way of knowing how strong a drug is as, even when batches look exactly the same, they often contain different mixing agents or quantities. It is important to understand the risks associated with using any drugs.”