A 19-year-old man is fighting for his life after he consumed, what is believed to be, tainted ecstasy at the Indie19 music Festival in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork on Friday last.
The young man who is understood to be from South Co. Tipperary and whose anxious family remain at his hospital bedside, is understood to have suffered multiple organ failure, having collapsed at about 4.30pm on Friday last.
The man was rushed to Cork University Hospital having walked into the festival’s medical centre complaining of being unwell.
Organisers of the popular music event have sent a text message to those attending the festival, warning that a “bad batch of something” was being circulated within the venue.
Cork University Hospital (CUH) has since issued an alert; stating: “CUH has received patients with very severe illness from taking ecstasy at the Indie19 Festival in Mitchelstown. We are aware that a text message was issued to attendees concerning reports of a bad batch of something on the camp site. Please circulate & to all attending stay safe.”
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), more commonly known as ecstasy (E), is a psychoactive drug primarily used as a recreational drug. The desired effects being sought by users include altered sensations and increased energy, empathy and pleasure. When taken by mouth in tablet form, these effects begin to take effect 30–45 minutes later and can lasts for up to 6 hours.
MDMA, which has no approved medical uses, has remained popular as a street drug since the 1980’s and remains illegal in most countries.
This week the Irish government announced new plans for dealing with personal drug use, which will see first time offenders referred to the HSE for health screening.
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