PRIDE-GOERS have been warned of a bad batch of pills in circulation in advance of the weekend celebrations.
Pavilions Drug and Alcohol service has put out a warning regarding the “Chupa Chups” ecstasy pills, which have been linked with several deaths.
The pills, shaped like the children’s lolly logo, have been found to contain several adulterant substances including PMA, which has been linked to to several deaths.
Chris Smith, a spokesman for the Pavilions Drug and Alcohol service, a part of the Mind mental health charity, said his organisation had been alerted to a contaminated batch of the pills in the Worthing area, and that it was likely that the pills would make their way to Brighton over the course of Pride weekend.
Brighton has been the drug death capital of the United Kingdom six out of eight times between 2004 and 2012.
Speaking on behalf of the council, Dr Peter Wilkinson, public health consultant, said: “We are aware of reports of a potentially dangerous illegal drug sold in Brighton & Hove and we are working with the Police and partner agencies to look into the drug concerned.”
A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: Police want people to enjoy Pride this weekend and keep safe.
We are aware of reports warning of a potentially dangerous illegal drug, information of which is being shared widely across Sussex.
There is always a risk in taking any drugs and we urge people to stay safe.
“The devastating effect of drug use can have a much wider impact than just on the person taking them.
“Most illegal drugs are cut with other substances, and they are substances which could have an adverse effect on your body and cause serious illnesses and in extreme circumstances, death.
“The best advice is not to take any drugs.”
