Three men have now been arrested following an incident in which four teenagers were taken ill after being given what were believed to be ecstasy tablets.
In the early hours of Saturday, March 14, four teenagers became ill while in Chester nightclub Rosie’s in Northgate Street.
All four males, who are aged 19 and from the Frodsham area, were taken by ambulance to the Countess of Chester Hospital where they were detained and received medical attention for several hours before being released.
Police enquiries resulted in a 29-year-old man being arrested in the night club on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply. The man, who is from Ellesmere Port, was interviewed and released on police bail pending further enquiries, until a date in May.
Ongoing police enquiries resulted in two further arrests on the evening of Saturday, March 14, also on suspicion of possession with intent to supply. Two men, one aged 18 and one aged 19, both from Ellesmere Port, are currently in custody assisting police with enquiries.
In an unrelated but similar incident at around 3.45am in the early hours of Sunday, March 15, police and ambulance were called to a report of an 18-year-old male from Ellesmere Port, who was taken unwell in a Chester bar, and displaying symptoms similar to those of the four teenagers originally taken ill. The man was taken by ambulance to hospital where he continues to be treated.
Following the symptoms displayed by the four teenagers treated at hospital on Saturday, Chester police issued a warning to the Chester area, particularly those visiting the pubs, bars, and night clubs in the city centre.
The tablets believed to have caused the teenagers′ symptoms appear very similar in description to ecstasy tablets which have led to serious illness and even death elsewhere in the country.
A description of the tablets, and advice to the public, was issued by police with pubs, bars, and clubs working with Chester police to make flyers and posters warning of the risk visible and available to those heading into Chester for Saturday evening.
Detective Inspector Simon Newell said: “The tablets which have caused the symptoms are described as red and yellow in colour, with the letters “UPS” on them. If you have taken these tablets, and in any way feel unwell, you should immediately seek medical attention and attend at your local A&E.
“If you know someone who may have taken a tablet fitting the description of these − be a good friend and check on them . if they appear unwell, ensure they get immediate medical attention.
“Finally, if anyone has such a tablet, please pass it to police. Not only can we analyse them to determine composition, make up, and potentially source − but we can also safely dispose of them ensuring no lives are lost or harmed.”
Anyone with information can contact Chester police by dialing the non-emergency number 101, quoting Incident 90 of 14/03/2015. Information can also be left anonymously on the Crimestoppers hotline 0800 555 111.”
