BREAKING NEWS: Drugs squad officers in a race against time to find a batch of potentially lethal drugs have seized 300 tablets.
A 23-year-old man arrested in the Sperrin Road area of Limavady has been quizzed by cops and released pending further investigations.
The ecstasy tablets have been sent to the PSNI forensic labs for further analysis and follows a public warning that a batch of killer e-tabs were being offered for sale.
A number of people have died in the North over the past 18 months as a result of taking the tablets.
Police made the seizure at an address at Rathbrady way in the Co Derry town.
It’s understood the police operations to find the drugs are continuing.
A PSNI spokesman urged anyone who is aware of anyone supplying drugs to contact local police on the non-emergency number 101 or alternatively information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Detectives had already warned that drugs, dubbed ‘green Rolexes’ with ‘Crowns’ or ‘Castles’ stamped on them, are mixed with PMA and PMMA and have been linked to numerous deaths worldwide.
Detective Inspector Andy Dunlop said: “Both dealers and users may be unaware that what they believe to be Ecstasy actually contains PMMA (paramethoxymethamphetamine).
“PMMA pills are slower to take effect. This may cause the user to take more – which can lead to seizures, convulsions, heart attack and ultimately death.”
A predominant symptom of fatalities around the globe has been over-heating of the body.
The dangerous chemicals have also been found in other coloured pills bearing different logos throughout Britain, Europe and in Canada. One man died in Co Donegal earlier this year.
“They have been directly linked to death,” Mr Dunlop added.
“There is no such thing as a safe drug or a safe dose.
“Anyone found suffering ill-effects after having taken drugs should be treated as a medical emergency.
“PMA is slow to take effect.
“Users taking more of the same place themselves at significant risk”.
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