Fears for partygoers as men remain ill from liquid ecstasy

THREE men remained in hospital last night after partygoers fell seriously ill after taking liquid ecstasy.

Halloween parties at an apartment complex in Blanchardstown, west Dublin, turned from fun to horror after groups of young men took the ecstasy drugs.

Up to 11 young men, mostly in their 20s, were treated at Blanchardstown Hospital.

Three were admitted to intensive care, including one man who was said to be in a serious but stable condition last night. Two others were described as stable. In total, eight men were originally admitted to hospital.

But there were fears that some partygoers may have gone home alone from the Halloween celebrations after having consumed the liquid ecstasy.

The liquid drug, which became popular in nightclubs in the 1990s, can be lethal when mixed with alcohol.

It is tasteless and odourless and has been known to be used as a date rape drug.

“Some of the guys who took this stuff may have gone to sleep but it might be that they never wake up again,” said an investigation source.

The parties had taken place at three different addresses in Annaly Court in Ongar, Dublin 15.

It is thought up to 30 people were at the parties.

Late in the night, a number of men said they were feeling unwell and were brought to hospital before 5am yesterday morning.

By the afternoon, hospital staff said their conditions were stabilising.

Gardaí though are keen to contact anyone who had taken the liquid ecstasy but who did not seek medical help.

“Gardaí are now appealing to anyone who attended the parties to seek medical attention without delay. Gardaí are also appealing to family or friends of persons who may have attended the parties to check on such persons.

“Some of those who attended may be living alone and gardaí are anxious that those people are checked on and given medical advice without delay,” said gardaí.

Gardaí have also launched an investigation into the sale and supply of the dangerous drug.

Liquid ecstasy or gamma hydroxybutate (GHB) can be taken in drops and put into drinks.

It is thought the Dublin men who had taken the drug may have been also inhaling it.

Initially, it had been thought one of those who first fell ill and needed help had carbon monoxide poisoning.

GHB has been linked to more than 60 deaths in the United States since 1990.

Cork consultant Chris Luke last year said patients under the influence of liquid ecstasy were frequently being admitted to A&Es.