Bishopstown drug seizure 'linked to ecstasy dealers'

A €27,000 drugs stash suspected of being linked to dealers peddling a deadly ecstasy mix which killed two young men has been seized.

The 12 ounce (340g) haul of brown powder was recovered from a field in the Bishopstown area of Cork last night.

Michael Coleman and Liam Coffey were found dead in a rented house in Kinsale, Co Cork, on Sunday morning and are suspected of using some of the drug.

Gardaí and health chiefs have warned users against taking the substance, which is known to contain Methylamphetamine (MDMA ecstasy) and Paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMMA/PMA).

The drug has a street nickname 'MANDY'.

Superintendent Eddie MacEoin, who is heading up the probe, linked the seized substance to investigations into the drug deaths.

“We are satisfied that it is similar to the brown powder that we had already seized as part of the investigation,” he said.

The brown powder has been sent for detailed toxicology tests.

The funeral of Mr Coffey took place in Affane, Co Waterford today and Mr Coleman was buried yesterday in Dungarvan.

Toxicology results on the men’s blood are not expected to be completed for several weeks.

Four arrests have been made in the Cork area following the deaths.