Contaminated cocaine warning as A&E admissions rise

Public Health said there has been a significant rise in A&E admissions

Health bodies on the Isle of Man have raised the alarm about a "contaminated or high-potency" batch of cocaine after a spike in hospital admissions.

The alert follows a significant increase in the number of people attending the emergency department at Noble's Hospital, Public Health Isle of Man said.

It said there was evidence that "high-potency or a contaminated batch of cocaine" is circulating, and symptoms among those affected include agitation, increased heart rates, and chest pain.

A Public Health Isle of Man spokesman said: "Be honest with medical staff about what was taken – it could save a life."

He said the advice to everyone was to "avoid using cocaine or any unknown substance" which may be "stronger than usual or mixed with other harmful drugs".

The risk was "particularly high" for those with underlying health conditions, or mixed with other substances.

People are also being asked to call emergency services if they know anyone that has become unwell after drug use.