Police warn revellers against ‘ecstasy’ danger-pill after deaths around the UK

The county’s police force issuing the warning surrounding the tablets – believed to be involved in the deaths of two young men in Ipswich on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, and possibly another death in West Mercia – though there is currently no evidence to suggest the particular batch is being distributed in the area.

The tablets are red, triangular in shape and embossed with an ‘S’, described as the ‘Superman’ logo.

Det Supt Paul Maghie, head of the county’s safeguarding command, said: “I would like to emphasise that we have no intelligence to suggest that these pills are in circulation in Hertfordshire at this time but this picture could change and we have a duty to protect people from harm.

“These tablets are thought to contain large doses of Paramethoxymethylamphetamine, commonly known as PMMA, which has different effects to the common ecstasy pill, MDMA (methylenedioxymethylamphetamne).

“PMMA can take different times to take effect which often results in users taking more of it, often resulting in serious harm.

“There is no way of knowing what is in any pill, therefore it is safest to steer clear altogether. Police forces across the country are doing all they can to reduce the risk of further serious injury or deaths linked to this particular ecstasy pill.

“We do not know how many are still in circulation, so I urge people not to take these drugs and anyone in possession of them to hand them in to police or partner agencies.”

If you have taken illegal drugs or if you know someone who has become unwell after taking illegal drugs and needs urgent medical care, call 999 and ask for the

ambulance service.

Anyone in possession of the drug is asked to surrender it to police in person or by calling 101.

For drugs help and advicse, call Spectrum, the Herts drug and alcohol treatment and recovery service, based in Hemel Hempstead on 0800 652 3169.