Clubbers in the UK have been issued a warning after high-strength pills have led to “multiple” hospitalisations across London.
The concerns were shared by harm reduction charity The Loop, which shared on Friday (October 18) that there had been concerning test results found from pills found across the previous weekend.
According to the charity, various types of pills had been found in the capital that included strengths of MDMA between 90mg and 290mg. It added that a quarter of all ecstasy tablets it tested came up with over 200mg – double the adult dose.
In the images shared, three of the pills in question are shown. One features a purple Louis Vuitton logo, one features a pink Timberland logo, and the other is a purple “pop” press. They each contained between 181mg and 290mg each.
Details about those allegedly hospitalised by the MDMA in the UK capital have not been reported publicly at time of writing, although various clubs in the city have issued their own warning to visitors.
Ahead of the weekend – and after several hospitalisations last weekend – The Loop is highlighting the importance of taking extra care in MDMA use & avoiding mixing drugs. Average pill strength nationwide is about 2x an adult dose.#GoSlowStayLow#TakeQuarterSipWater
♾️💜♾️ pic.twitter.com/OHKt31FqFO— The Loop (@WeAreTheLoopUK) October 18, 2024
As highlighted by Mixmag, Farringdon venue Fabric wrote: “We are aware of several hospitalisations across multiple London venues last weekend, where people have had seizures and become very unwell.”
The statement added that while the exact causes of the illness are unknown, it is speculated that it could be a result of the “unusually strong pills” going around. It also shared details on how to find its welfare team at the venue, telling visitors to look for the glowing red armbands.
Similarly, the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) – who recently highlighted the plights faced by UK clubs – took to social media to share a statement on the issue too.
“If you’re going out, please stay safe and look after your friends. If you’re unsure about anything, it’s safest not to take it,” it wrote. “Always seek help if you or someone you’re with feels unwell—venue staff are there to support you, without judgement.”
Stay safe. pic.twitter.com/bu8fUjGJJ8
— fabric (@fabriclondon) October 18, 2024
The Loop has also shared advice for those considering taking ecstasy pills, saying: “[Be] aware of an MDMA-related emergency. Take sips of water and take regular breaks when dancing.
“Seek medical help if you or your friends experience any of the following: Significantly raised temperature, excessive sweating muscle rigidity, non-responsiveness or seizure.” Find out more here.
The report comes just a few months after the same charity issued a warning about “super strength” ecstasy pills at Glastonbury 2024.
Before then, they found evidence of the “super strength” pills from samples at Manchester’s Parklife. Checking green, purple and grey-coloured tablets placed in amnesty bins or seized by police, the charity said the strength of these pills were akin to previous pills that have led to hospitalisations, or even deaths.
Important: We’re hearing reports of people becoming seriously unwell after taking strong MDMA pills in London last weekend, with some requiring hospital treatment. Some of these pills are reported to contain over 300mg, which is well above a typical high dose.
If you’re going… pic.twitter.com/ADLOcR1bz8
— Night Time Industries Association (@wearethentia) October 18, 2024
It has been a growing issue across the UK. Back in 2022, for instance, Reading & Leeds Festival issued a fresh warning about the use of drugs at their festivals, noting that “ecstasy deaths appear to be rising year on year”.
Shortly before then, organisers of Boardmasters were forced to warn their attendees of dangerously high-strength MDMA that was found on-site at the festival, and pills tested at Secret Garden Party 2022 were found to contain more than 2.5 times the typical amount of ecstasy.
Last June, numerous figures from the live music industry criticised the government’s U-turn on festival drug testing, which came amid the Home Office retracting its support for drug testing at festivals.
The three-month licence application process was branded as a “deadly step backwards” by Bristol Nightlife Advisor Carly Heath, and Michael Kill of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) warned that it would have “considerable ramifications and a potential to put people’s lives at risk.”