Seized MDMA tablets linked to youth deaths

Detectives are warning about a rising trend of potentially lethal ecstasy tablets after a number were recovered in the west of Scotland.

Police Scotland's Statement of Opinion (STOP) Unit said that a number of MDMA tablets were seized by staff at an event in August last year.

MDMA is a class A substance controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

One expert said it had been identified as a factor in a number of deaths across Scotland last year.

A new report, released by Public Health Scotland, states that a number MDMA tablets recovered included some made in the likeness of former US President Donald Trump and emblazoned with the Twitter logo.

The report added: "Some of these tablets have been reported to be linked to the deaths of young people".

Dr Tara Shivaji, consultant at Public Health Scotland, said: "The information on the different types of ecstasy pills seized and recovered has come from Police Scotland. MDMA, a substance commonly found in ecstasy, is also available in crystal and powder form.

"MDMA has been implicated in a number of deaths across the whole of Scotland in 2023."

Tusi, also known as pink cocaine, is mixed with food colouring

Dr Shivaji said the drug was once one of the leading causes of drug-related attendances at emergency departments across Europe for people aged under 25.

She added: "It is fair to conclude that the design and branding of MDMA tablets is made with attractiveness to young people in mind.

"The branding it is not a sign of quality, or an indicator of a guarantee of effect, and it is unlikely to be helpful in reducing risk."

The report also states drugs monitoring groups have reported a rise in the popularity of 'Tusi' also known as 'pink cocaine' in Scotland.

The powered substance is a pre-mixed combination of drugs such as MDMA, 2-CB, LSD, ketamine, cathinones and cocaine, mixed with pink food colouring.

Tablets of the psychedelic drugs 2-CB were also seized in the West of Scotland.

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The warning comes after three teenagers died in less than six months after attending events held at a Glasgow music venue.

Scott Allison and Marcus Dick died in August 2023 after attending the same DJ event at SWG3.

In January, an 18-year-old woman also died after attending an event at the venue.

Her cause of death has not been confirmed but drugs were considered as one line of inquiry.

Chief Supt Faroque Hussain of Police Scotland said: "We continue to work in partnership to reduce substance harm as well as exploring solutions to help address the significant level of drug deaths in Scotland."

"The illegal consumption of drugs can have a devastating effect on vulnerable people, their families and communities. That's why we are leading on the National Crime Agency's UK wide working group which seeks to tackle this harm by focussing on three key elements - health, intelligence and enforcement."