Dumfries and Galloway Alcohol and Drug Partnership
Written by Kevin Rennie on August 19, 2013
Dumfries and Galloway Alcohol and Drug Partnership are raising public awareness around substances that maybe circulating in Dumfries and Annandale.
This follows the death of a young man in the Annandale area where medical professionals and police are looking into the circumstances. They believe this death may be related to tablets that the person used a short time prior to his death.
Dr Derek Cox, Director of Public Health and Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Alcohol and Drug Partnership states;- “We are very concerned about the circumstances of this death, not only for the tragic and unnecessary loss of a young man’s life but also the fact that hazardous unknown tablets are being consumed in our area. These tablets maybe sold as Ecstasy but in reality the substances they contain are largely unknown and untested. If taken they can have a dramatic effect on the user and the people surrounding them.
Some of symptoms to look out for include High Temperatures, Overheating, Dehydration, Rapid Heart Rate, Seizures and Severe Nausea and Vomiting, and a feeling of things creeping under the skin. These symptoms are treatable if medical help is sought early, we would encourage any person with any concerns to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Hollis, Dumfries and Galloway Division of Police Scotland states; – Quality assurance is not something that is applied to illicit drugs, a fact that is supported by forensic analysis. You have no idea what you may have taken or the effect on your body. Drug Dealers do not care what they are peddling, they are only interested in making money and do not care about the devastating effects of incidents like this may have on the local community and the families of those concerned. The circumstance of this death is something we are actively investigating and would like to assure the public that we will take every opportunity to report the persons responsible for supplying such a substance.
If you are concerned about any individual you can obtain information locally from Addaction, Buccleuch Street, Dumfries Telephone 01387 263208 or NHS Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service, Lochfield Road, Dumfries on 01387 244555
