Ecstasy users in jeopardy as deaths increase

Ecstasy users are facing increased threats from tablets which, in the main, are purer and stronger but, in an unknown number of cases, are contaminated with toxic amphetamine chemicals.

The EU drugs agency has said the dangers are a result of changes in the raw materials that criminal gang “cookers” are using.

Amphetamines such as PMA and PMMA are suspected by both gardaí and health officials of resulting in a spate of deaths in recent weeks, on the back of other fatalities in 2013 and 2012.