Drug which killed a Rochdale man and left ten in hospital believed to be potent form of Spice

Police believe a drug initially thought to be MDMA is in fact a potent form of Spice.

A 26-year old man from Rochdale died after taking the substance, believed to be a new form of MDMA, known as ‘pink champagne’ or ‘magic'.

Four men were taken to hospital during the course of Saturday 24 June and on Sunday 25 June, another five men and one woman were taken to hospital after also taking what is believed to be the same MDMA based drug.

The drug is now understood to be a synthetic cannabinoid sold as MDMA.

Chief Superintendent Neil Evans from GMP’s Oldham and Rochdale boroughs said: “This is the first time we have seen ‘Spice’ in crystalised, and much more potent and unrefined form and it’s now being mistakenly taken as MDMA. This is extremely worrying.

“Anyone thinking of taking MDMA must seriously consider what they are doing. You may feel that you know and accept the risks of taking MDMA, but you never know what you are actually taking and the reaction your body could have to it.

“Last weekend a number of people suffered life-threatening side-effects after they took what they believed was MDMA. This weekend, before you think about taking MDMA or ‘Spice’, think, is your life really worth it?”

Police are now investigating where these drugs came from, anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 9063 alternatively via 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.