Drug users in Nantwich are being warned after three deaths in Cheshire East linked to the Ecstasy-like drug PMA.
Cheshire East Council and Cheshire Police issued the alarm after the drug was linked to the deaths of two women and a man in their 30s.
Rachel Clayton, 34, and Emma Speed, 30, were found dead at a house on Crompton Road, Macclesfield, on April 7, while a 34-year-old man was found dead in a caravan on Batemill Close.
Toxicology results show PMA (Paramethoxyamphetamine) was prevalent in all of their bodies.
PMA can be in tablet or powder form and is sold as a powerful form of Ecstasy.
It is also known as “Mitsubishi Turbos”, “Pink Ecstasy”, “Dr Death” or “Pink McDonalds”.
Pills are the same size and shape as an ecstasy tablet and can be white or pink and usually have the letter ′M′ on them.
PMA is an illegal substance and possession, use or selling the drug is a criminal offence.
PMA does not take effect as quickly as Ecstasy and users can seek to take more believing there has been no effect, increasing the risk of a fatal overdose.
Wybunbury ward Cllr Janet Clowes, Cabinet member in charge of health and adult social care, said: “The risks from taking potentially contaminated and unregulated drugs are very high.
“If you are concerned about someone you know who may be at risk or want help for yourself there are a number of services in Cheshire East which can help.
“You can access free confidential advice and information as well as the different types of treatment options that are available to you.”
Cheshire Police are working with other UK forces where PMA deaths have occurred to share information and hunt down the source of the drug.
Cheshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Ruth Purdie said: “We have now had three deaths in Cheshire which appear to be linked to the drug.
“It is our duty to join up with our colleagues in the health service and make as many people as possible aware of the risk this drug poses and to do all we can to ensure no one dies and prevent further heartache for any more families.”
Anyone with any information can call Cheshire Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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