The drug behind double death that's '500 times more powerful than heroin'
Deadly blue and green pills which have killed two people in London have finally been identified.
The pills, which are marked with the number '80' on one side and possibly 'OP' on the other, contained nitazenes which can be up to 500 times stronger than heroin.
A 28-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman died in Southhall, west London, on May 26 after taking an 'illicit substance in the form of a green pill', Met Police said.
The pair are believed to have visited a nightclub in south London, and their bodies were discovered the next day at a home in Ealing.
One more person is said to have been hospitalised after taking the pill, and London nightclubs have urged people to stay away from the drug.
The Cause, in east London, said: 'We have been made aware of dangerous Blue/Green Pills marked with an '80'.
Blue or pale lips or fingertips
Falling unconscious
Loud raspy 'snoring' or gurgling
Very light, shallow breathing or no breathing
'Testing indicates they contain N-Pyrrolidino isotonitazene (a potent synthetic opioid) and traces of Ketamine and MDMA.
'With several hospitalisations across multiple London venues, we strongly advise you don't engage with it and warn your friends.
'Look after yourselves. If you, any of your close ones or someone in the crowd feels unwell this weekend, speak to any member of staff immediately.'
The pills are expected to have either been sold as oxycodone or ecstasy.
Fabric, near the City of London, said: 'Tragically, two people have lost their lives and another has been hospitalised.
'They are believed to have been sold as oxycodone, but investigations are ongoing.'
The Metropolitan Police confirmed no arrests have been made.
Charity drug checker The Loop the drugs are often sold under the pretence they are oxycodone, which is a prescription painkiller, or ectasy pills.
Ealing Council said: 'Please remember, there is no way of knowing what is in any pill or drug that is bought illegally, or how your body will react.
'If you, or anyone you are with, starts to feel unwell after taking any pill or drug, go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department or call 999.
'Always seek medical attention and do not try to sleep it off or drink lots of water.'
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
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