Essex Police issue warning over contaminated cocaine
Police have issued a warning to drug users after two people were taken to hospital with suspected drug poisoning from a dangerous batch of cocaine.
The warning to people in Essex was issued after an 18-year-old needed specialist heart treatment and another man was taken into intensive care.
Essex Police said both had taken cocaine and warned that dangerous batches could be in circulation.
Police, with the East of England Ambulance Service, issued the warning.
The force said an 18-year-old man from Chelmsford was undergoing specialist heart treatment today at Basildon University Hospital after ambulance crews were called at 08:00 BST to reports that he was having difficulties breathing after taking the drug.
Another patient, from the Tiptree area, was taken into intensive care at Broomfield Hospital on Friday night after ingesting cocaine. No further details of him have been released,
Police said: "Regular drug users are reminded not to source substances from unknown suppliers while others are advised to refrain from ingesting illegal drugs."