A major drugs warning has been issued just days before thousands of revellers arrive in Manchester to attend Parklife.
The warning outlines that super strength ecstasy is on sale in the region and it poses a serious risk of death to those who take it.
The substance – which comes in both pill and powder form – is said to be ‘stronger than ever’.
Greater Manchester Drug Early Warning Coordinator Michael Linnell explained: “MDMA pills and MDMA powder are stronger than they have ever been. This is what makes it so dangerous.
“Even half a pill can be a dangerously high dose on its own and the risk is increased if alcohol and other drugs are taken at the same time.”
The warning comes after MM revealed that there will be no ‘front of house’ drug testing during this year’s Parklife.
This means that festival-goers will not be able to test the potency of a substance before taking it at the two-day extravaganza held at Heaton Park.
Now, revellers are being urged to contact the emergency services if they fall ill at the event which is to be headlined by The XX and Liam Gallagher.
Dr Prun Bijral, Medical Director of CGL, advised: “There is no safe way of using ecstasy there will always be a risk involved in using this very dangerous drug.
“If you do take that risk don’t use alone, make sure friends are around so they can get immediate help from the emergency services if you start to feel ill.”
Super strength ecstasy has caused the deaths of more than 60 people in England and Wales, including people in Greater Manchester.
The pills come in hundreds of different shapes, colours and designs, costing as little as £5 each. The drug also comes in powder and crystallised forms.
Just last month two people died after taking substances at Mutiny Festival in Portsmouth.
