Health warning amid fears children have been taking ecstasy

High school pupils thought to have used illegal drug

Fife Police have issued a health warning amid reports children have been taking ecstasy.

Parents have been advised to be vigilant following information the drug is circulating in the Glenrothes area.

A small number of high school pupils are believed to have taken it or been present when it was taken.

A man was detained at an address in Muirfield Drive, Glenrothes, yesterday but officers fear some tablets may still be in circulation.

Sergeant Chris Mutter said the effects of ecstasy could be extreme and its consumption should be avoided “at all costs”.

“My message to the public is to stay vigilant and report any information on the sale of drugs in the community to police on 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers,” he said.

Mr Mutter urged anyone who has taken a tablet and feels unwell, or who knows anyone who appears unwell after taking one, to seek medical treatment.

Ian Bease, of NHS Fife, added: “Illegal drug taking at any age can cause serious health problems but the danger can increase quite dramatically for youths.

“Using ecstasy (MDMA) can lead to numerous health risks.”

Mr Bease said it was impossible to tell how pure any ecstasy being supplied was, making it extremely difficult to work out what harm it could do.

“Using ecstasy is likely to raise your heart rate, which can be extremely dangerous,” he said.

“It can make your jaw feel tight and you can become anxious, paranoid or frightened.

“Frequent use can lead to physical health problems with your major organs.”

Mr Bease echoed the advice to anyone suffering from the effects of drug taking to seek medical advice immediately.

Fife Council’s education service is supporting the message from the police and NHS and urged people to report any information on the sale of drugs.

Carrie Lindsay, executive director of education and children’s services, said: “We continue to work with our partners to raise awareness of the risks to children and young people taking unknown substances.

“In our schools we deliver messages about staying safe and making informed choices and staff remain vigilant to information on the use or circulation of illegal substances in local communities.”

Anyone with health concerns is advised to contact NHS 24 via 111 or call 999 in an emergency.

Illegal drug taking at any age can cause serious health problems but the danger can increase quite dramatically for youths. IAN BEASE