DEADLY ECSTASY HITS THE CLUBS

Tens of thousands of previously unknown and lethal ecstasy tablets have
flooded onto the Sydney nightclub scene.

As an estimated 15,000 nightclubbers prepared to hit at least a dozen dance
venues in Sydney last night, the Minister for Police, Mr Whelan, warned:
"These are a really dangerous, deadly cocktail."

The tablets look like regular ecstasy tablets but contain an unknown and
potentially deadly combination of drugs, including up to 20 per cent heroin
plus LSD, cocaine and Rohypnol, a strong sedative.

Mr Whelan said the mix of stimulants, hallucinogens, depressants and
methamphetamine could cause respiratory collapse or cardiac arrest.

The tablets come in a number of colours, including red, blue and white.
Some are etched with symbols of spades, treble clefs and lightning bolts.
They are expected to cost $30-$35 each.

Police said the tablets had been on the streets for at least a week, but so
far they were not aware of any fatalities. They are not the "Blue Nitro"
capsules which caused a nightclubber to die of a heart attack in July.

Police became aware of the new drug yesterday when the Australian
Government Analytical Laboratories submitted reports on 25,000 tablets
seized several weeks ago.

The Police Commissioner, Mr Ryan, said police believed their raid had
stopped the production of more tablets.

Mr Ryan said police believed tens of thousands of the tablets were already
being distributed to night clubs and the streets. He urged anyone with
information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.