Teens in Sidmouth hospitalised after taking prescription drugs
- Credit: Archant
Police say it was only good fortune and NHS care that saved the lives of a group of teenagers who abused unprescribed drugs.
Five young people, aged 17 and 18, were treated in intensive care after taking Alprazolam – manufactured as Xanax – together with alcohol on Friday, June 3.
Officers from CID and Sidmouth’s police team are investigating the matter and enquiries are continuing.
PC Simon Blyth, the neighbourhood beat manager for Sidmouth, said: “Xanax is particularly popular in the USA as an anti-anxiety drug and features in song lyrics, which have, for some, further popularised this drug.
“Taking a drug that was not prescribed, in conjunction with drinking alcohol, resulted in five young people being hospitalised.
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“It is through good fortune and the high standard of care of the NHS which meant there were no fatalities.”
Anyone offered this drug, or any other prescription drugs, is asked to contact police by emailing 101@dc.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference CR/036765/16.
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Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or reporting online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
For anyone who has a friend or relative suffering from drug or alcohol problems, they can refer them to RISE, a recovery orientated drug and alcohol service, by visiting www.riserecovery.org.uk
An 18-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of supplying prescription drugs and is currently on bail until August 22 pending further enquiries.
