Police are currently investigating the deaths of two teenagers, in unrelated incidents, suspected to be the result of illicit drug use.
The first incident occurred on Sunday morning when a 16-year-old female died at a rural property. It is believed that the girl had ingested illicit drugs at a party before returning to the property. She died shortly after returning home.
Last night a 20-year-old male died after he fell from the ninth story of an inner city residential building. Witnesses have informed Police that the male had earlier taken a pill referred to as a “Quacka” and was acting strangely prior to the fatal fall.
The pill was described as blue in colour with a logo depicting an image similar to rabbit ears or a pair of scissors.
Superintendent Tony Fuller from the Drug and Organised Crime Division said Detectives from the Major Crime Squad and the Drug and Organised Crime Squad have formed a task force and are investigating.
“Police strongly suspect that in both cases the drugs taken were a form of synthetic LSD or MDMA (ecstasy). These drugs are usually manufactured overseas and then sold in a variety of forms such as tablets, powder or tabs.
“These drugs are not clinically tested on humans and are produced purely for the financial gain of the suppliers.
“It is tragic that the need to again warn people about the dangers of these drugs follows on from the death of two teenagers.
“We are asking the parents of teenagers to talk to your kids and warn them of the dangers they face if experimenting with these drugs.”
Department of Health Chief Health Officer, Dr Steven Skov warned that taking these drugs, which contain any number of dangerous chemical compounds, may result in a powerful psychotic effect which can cause someone to completely lose touch with reality.
“The psychotic reaction these drugs might trigger can result in tragic consequences if the person is unable to control their thoughts and actions.
“On top of psychosis we’ve seen other life threatening results from taking synthetic drugs including convulsions, dangerously high blood pressure, extreme aggression and panic attacks.
“People have no way of knowing exactly what they are taking or the strength of the dose. These substances are changing all the time so we can’t know what all of the possible side effects are.
“If you know someone has taken drugs, watch them closely and try to keep them safe. Once someone has started losing touch with reality, dangerous consequences can happen quickly.”
Both of these cases are now subject to a coronial investigation and Police will not comment any further in relation to the circumstances of the deaths.
In the past week members of the Drug and Organised Crime Squad have seized;
2.5 kilograms of synthetic drugs
19 litres of a substance which can be used to manufacture illicit drugs
$10,000 cash Approximately 25 grams of ‘ice’ with a potential street value of $35,000 to $40,000.
Police urge anyone who has an adverse reaction to an illicit drug to seek medical treatment. Young people wishing to confidentially discuss issues impacting on their lives are encouraged to contact Headspace on 1800 659 389.
If you are concerned about your, or a friend’s behaviour and wellbeing, contact NT CATT on 1800 682 288 (1800 NTCATT). Anyone with information about these drugs are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
