Teenager’s drug death not linked to ecstasy

Daniel Gill died at his home on Chapel Street on January 18 after taking what he believed to be ecstasy

Tests have now confirmed the tablets actually contained a mixture of PMA (para-methoxyamphetamine) and caffeine.

PMA is a powerful stimulant drug with effects similar to those of ecstasy. It has been linked to several deaths throughout the UK.

Steve Holme, of the Derbyshire Drug Market Project, said: “There have been six deaths in the last three years in Derbyshire where PMA was a factor, either on its own or in combination with other drugs.

“In at least two of the deaths the person had taken what they thought was amphetamine, and in the other cases they had taken tablets they believed were ecstasy.

“I am sure from looking at each case that these people did not know that they were taking PMA.

“There have also been other cases where people have been very ill but swift medical intervention has saved their lives.

“If somebody is ill after taking drugs, it is vital that people ring for an ambulance quickly and are open with ambulance staff about what has been taken.

“The police will not attend such incidents unless a death occurs or unless the ambulance staff are threatened or subjected to violence.

“Drug suppliers are unscrupulous people who are only interested in making money.

“It is a fact of the drug markets that what you think you are buying isn’t always what you get.”

Anyone with concerns about drugs can visit a new website www.doyouknowwhatsinit.org.uk| set up by the Derbyshire charity SPODA.

If you have information about drugs in your community contact Derbyshire police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.