Drugs warning after teenager collapses

Durham Constabulary are appealing for information as the teenager collapsed after he is thought to have taken a mixture of cannabis and MDMA.

Officers suspect that the 15-year-old had a bad reaction during the incident on October 14 after taking a mixture of illegal drugs, including MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy.

Police have now warned that the MDMA market is one of the most impure illicit drug markets, meaning it often is cut with other substances.

The teenager was found unconscious by the River Tees in Barnard Castle and was taken to hospital where he will hopefully make a full recovery.

This latest incident follows the sad death of 18-year-old Mark Johnston from Washington, who allegedly took MDMA on Saturday, October 3.

Seven people have been arrested in connection with Mark’s death and a fundraiser has been launched to help support his family.

Durham Constabulary have confirmed that they have started an investigation into the incident in Barnard Castle and have said the situation could have ended very differently.

Sergeant Angela Drasdo commented :“An investigation is under way and several other individuals are also to be interviewed.

“Illegal drugs can prove fatal and thankfully this teenager will hopefully make a full recovery but it could have been a different story.

“A full investigation is under way but I would urge anyone who is offered drugs to think twice about taking them.”