20 people were hospitalised over the weekend after taking what police believe was a bad batch of MDMA.
The drugs were circulated throughout nightclubs on Chapel St.
A 30-year-old man was arrested, and has been charged with trafficking and possession of MDMA, as well as possession of crime proceeds.
Popular night-spot Revolver Upstairs warned patrons in a Facebook post, which read: “There are reports of many incidences across Melbourne on Friday and Saturday nights involving very synthetic drugs. These drugs can cause violent reactions, severe hallucinations and may result in death.
Victorian detective Senior-Sgt David Newman told the Herald Sun of the heightened risk.
“There is always a risk whenever someone chooses to take drugs on a night out but clearly this risk is particularly heightened at the moment with what we’ve seen this weekend,” he said.
“Drugs such as MDMA are dangerous and manufactured by criminals with absolutely no regard for the safety of the people who take them.
“It’s important that people realise they’re putting themselves in danger of not just hospitalisation, but permanent disability or even death by consuming these drugs.
“We want people to come and have a fun and safe night out, and the last thing police want to be doing is knocking on your family’s door because a tragedy has happened.”
Forensic testing has confirmed the pills are up to five times stronger than usual MDMA, have high toxicity levels, and contain unidentified compounds.
In other words: there are some nasty, dangerous drugs doing the rounds at the moment – so best to lay off the pills.
