Nine suffer overdose

NINE people were taken to hospital after a suspected mass drug overdose at a Perth house used by backpackers and students.

Ambulances were called to the Victoria Park house where seven men and two women were found in various unconscious or semi-conscious states with some violently ill.

All were hospitalised with four in intensive care, including three men in a critical condition.

Their condition is believed to be drug-related and paramedics were told the people might have taken cocaine or a similar drug. Detectives from the organised crime squad are investigating.