​Warnings issued over “dangerous” batch of ketamine circulating in Liverpool

Merseyside Police have issued warnings over a “dangerous” batch of ketamine in circulation around Liverpool.

The warnings followed news that three men had suffered seizures last Saturday, March 30, after taking ketamine at a premises on Fleet Street at around 5:AM.

All three men were admitted to hospital, Merseyside Police reported. Two remained in hospital later that day at around 1:PM, one in stable condition and the other in treatment by doctors. The third male was discharged.

“We have had recent reports of a dangerous batch of ketamine being sold in bars in our city and we are determined to help young people understand the harmful effects and risks of the associated drug,” said Detective Inspector Ruth Tickle.

She added: “I would urge young people to learn more about the impact and signs of ketamine and report any use of the drug to our officers so we can keep you and your friends safe in our city.”

“If you are concerned about your own use of ketamine or other drugs or alcohol, or you are concerned about somebody else, there are support services available". Read the full statement here.

In March, The Loop and Pill Report issued warnings around laced and fake drugs circulating in the UK, particularly benzodiazepines. “The UK drugs market has been changing and there are now a range of higher risk substances circulating, such as nitazenes,” The Loop said.

“We want to raise awareness about this emerging public health risk. There appears to be considerable adulteration in the heroin market, and so too in illegally bought “prescription” benzodiazepines and opioid pills. In some more limited cases, other drugs, such as some “club drugs” may be affected.”

We’ve listed some helpful resources below.

Pill Report is a harm reduction and information service offering drug testing kits, ear protection, and more. Find out more about them here.

The Loop is a non-profit NGO promoting harm reduction, health & wellbeing through drug checking, staff training, information & advice. Find out more about them here, and donate to The Loop's Just Giving page, which will assist in the purchase of testing equipment and the ability to run labs in more locations.

WEDINOS is a harm reduction project providing an anonymous service, and reflects trends in substance use. Find out more about them here.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter