Drug warning as teenager is left in critical state

Boy aged 14 still ‘gravely ill’ after taking mystery red and white tablet

Police have issued a stark warning about the dangers of drugs after a 14-year-old boy was hospitalised in a critical condition after taking unknown substances.

Two teenagers have received medical treatment after ingesting red and white capsules, understood to have contained illicit drugs.

One of the boys, a 14-year-old from Dundee, is “gravely ill” and undergoing medical treatment at Ninewells.

His condition has been described as “critical” by the detective leading the investigation.

A second boy, thought to be 13, received treatment at his local GP surgery after consuming the same red and white capsule, believed to have contained some form of powder.

Police are conducting inquiries as to what the substance might be and stressed for anyone who may have taken an illicit drug matching the description to seek medical attention if they become ill.

Detective Inspector Tom Leonard said people cannot be 100% sure what they are taking.

He said: “Our thoughts are very much with this young boy’s family and friends. He is in hospital where he is gravely ill and in a critical condition.

“It might be that others may have taken the substance and I am urging members of the public, especially parents and guardians, to be vigilant as drugs have a devastating impact.

“The message is clear, there is no safe way to take drugs – there is always a risk. The effects can be unpredictable and can cause serious harm.”

The youngster’s hospitalisation comes amid a number of teenage medical admissions for drug overdoses across Courier Country.

In November, Perth 19-year-old Carolann Palmer was in a nightclub when she took a tablet she believed was the Class A drug ecstasy. She suffered an adverse reaction and was admitted to the city’s royal infirmary.

She said medics had to restart her heart and her mother Jayne was told by doctors to “prepare for the worst”.