Cocaine victims being kept alive by machines

TWO MEN left critically ill after reportedly consuming cocaine and alcohol at a 21st birthday party were still being kept alive by machines last night.

Both John Grey, 23, and Kevin Doyle, 21, from Waterford city have been in a coma since the early hours of Sunday November 25, following a party in 215 Ballybeg Square, Waterford.

Their families have been by the two men’s sides since they fell ill, but no improvement has been shown in either.

The men have been in the intensive care unit at Waterford Regional Hospital since Sunday week.

Another man, Dean Brasil, 25, who was initially described as“critical” after also becoming ill on the Sunday morning, was discharged from hospital last Wednesday.

A further 11 people voluntarily presented themselves at the hospital after gardaí and the HSE issued an alert aimed at anyone who attended the party in Ballybeg.

It’s believed that alcohol and cocaine were both taken at the party.

Researchers have found that the human liver combines cocaine and alcohol and manufactures a third substance, cocaethylene, which intensifies cocaine’s euphoric effects but also increases the risk of death from the drug.

The faster the cocaine is absorbed, the more intense the high and the shorter the duration of action.

The incident at Ballybeg on November 25 has prompted local people and gardaí to set up a task force to combat the drugs problem in Waterford.

Meanwhile, a man is due back in court today on charges relating to the supply of drugs at the party.

Anthony Connolly, 25, of 43 Priory Lawn, Ballybeg, Waterford, is accused of possession of cocaine and amphetamines, and possession of both for the purposes of sale or supply, at 215 Ballybeg Square on November 25.