Chief Constable speaks out after one teenager died and two more young women were taken to hospital after taking ecstasy

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins

Greater Manchester Police's Chief Constable has spoken out after one teenager died and two more young women were taken to hospital after taking ecstasy.

This weekend, two 21-year-old girls from Stockport were taken to hospital after having an adverse reaction to what was believed to be MDMA tablets at a nightclub on Princess Street in Manchester City Centre.

This follows police being called to Victoria Warehouse, on Trafford Wharf Road, Trafford, last weekend after a 17-year-old girl suffered an adverse reaction after allegedly taking one MasterCard ecstasy pill whilst on a night out. She sadly died a short time later.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “As a father myself, the sad death of a 17-year-old woman in Greater Manchester after taking an ecstasy pill last week had a profound impact on me. I can’t even imagine how the parents of this young woman must be feeling.

“I hoped that the shocking death of this young woman who had her whole life ahead of her would make others realise the fatal consequences of taking illegal substances.

“Sadly, a week later, two more young women have ended up in hospital and are lucky to be alive. I am delighted that they are expected make a full recovery but this could have had tragic consequences for both them and their families.

“Last week, officers were quickly able to make arrests in connection with the supply of ecstasy tablets to the 17-year-old woman and this week we have swiftly made further arrests in connection with this latest incident.

“We continue to make arrests of those involved in the supply of illegal drugs, but it's vital that young people understand the implications and avoid taking drugs.

“You have no idea what these drugs contain or the effect they will have on your body. Do you really want to take that kind of risk and become another young person who has their life needlessly cut short leaving their families to live with the devastation.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with drugs, visit www.talktofrank.com or call 0300 123 6600.