Fake ‘Green Rolex’ Ecstasy tablet may have caused teenage girl’s death

COPS fear a teenage girl is the latest death from taking fake Ecstasy tablets.

The 19-year-old was rushed by paramedics to hospital on Wednesday afternoon from a house at Ravenhill Avenue in east Belfast.

But the 19-year-old tragically died later that evening sparking a sudden death police probe.

In follow-up inquiries, a 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a drugs offence.

Police have also carried out follow-up inquiries in the Dunddonald area of east Belfast.

In May, police launched an investigation into seven deaths in the Belfast area and one in Coleraine over claims they died from taking the fake Ecstasy tablets or ‘Green Rolexes’.

However, toxicology tests later revealed that only two of the eight deaths were as a result of the fate ‘E’ tabs.

During follow-up inquiries, police warned that Ecstasy pills seized by police in Northern Ireland contain highly toxic chemicals.

It follows forensic tests at a laboratory which have revealed their deadly potent to users.

Detectives said the drugs, dubbed ‘green Rolexes’ with ‘Crowns’ or ‘Castles’ stamped on them, are mixed with PMA and PMMA and have been linked to numerous deaths worldwide.

Detective Inspector Andy Dunlop said: “Both dealers and users may be unaware that what they believe to be Ecstasy actually contains PMMA (paramethoxymethamphetamine).

“PMMA pills are slower to take effect. This may cause the user to take more – which can lead to seizures, convulsions, heart attack and ultimately death.”

A predominant symptom of fatalities around the globe has been over-heating of the body.

The dangerous chemicals have also been found in other coloured pills bearing different logos throughout Great Britain, Europe and in Canada.

“They have been directly linked to death,” Mr Dunlop added.

“There is no such thing as a safe drug or a safe dose.

“Anyone found suffering ill-effects after having taken drugs should be treated as a medical emergency.

“PMA is slow to take effect.

“Users taking more of the same place themselves at significant risk”.

Anyone with information on the supply of drugs can contact the PSNI on 0845 600 8000.

The head of the PSNI’s Crime Operations Branch also denied claims by Health Minister Edwin Poots that the police were turning a blind eye to small time dealers to catch the main culprits.

ACC Drew Harris said: “The PSNI works hard to tackle the issue of drugs and any suggestion we protect those dealing in drugs is unfounded.

“We understand the misery drugs can cause to communities, to families, to those who get involved in drugs and we continue to disrupt and arrest those involved in the sale and supply of drugs, bring individuals before the courts and work with communities and partner agencies to reduce the threat of harmful and illegal activity.”

ACC Harris added that in the last year nearly 2,800 people were arrested by the PSNI and held to account for drugs offences.

“Compared to the previous year, 14% more people were charged in relation to drug offences,” he added.

“We also ran a specific operation, Operation Torus, aimed at tackling street-level drug dealing during which we seized suspected drugs estimated to be worth over £1 million and made more than 400 arrests.

“Drugs remain a policing priority but we also need the help of the public – we need people to come forward and tell us if they know anything about illegal drugs being sold or distributed in their local area.”