Is dangerous new drug being sold in Chippenham?

3:44pm Friday 20th April 2007

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A dangerous recreational drug may be available on the streets of Chippenham.

D0I is a powerful amphetamine which is injected into the blood stream and is being pushed by dealers in the town.

The drug is causing concern among health authority workers.

Tclubbers were taken to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon after buying D0I in Chippenham.

When used recreationally the drug induces an increased sense of euphoria, making you more alert and increasing your concentration and confidence.

But it can also cause involuntary bodily movements, anxiety, jitters, heart problems, liver, kidney and lung damage and can lead to a stroke. It is believed the patients were suffering from some of these symptoms.

D01 is used medically to treat hyperactivity and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Swindon-based Drug and Alcohol Action Team is taking the matter seriously and has sent a written warning to all hospitals, pharmacies and surgeries in the area, including Wiltshire's Community Safety and Drugs Team.

The message from the Wiltshire Safety Team stated: "We have been informed by Great Western Hospital A&E Department that two people have been hospitalised after taking the drug D0I, which is a strong, powerful amphetamine.

"The hospital has clarified that the drug was bought in Chippenham and have stated that if anyone presents to services having taken this drug they need to be sent immediately to the A&E department."

The warning also included information about a local man who died this month as a result of continuous drug use, including D0I.

The addict had been in contact with a local outreach worker who had recently issued a prescription to help the man get off the drugs he was using, but the man died soon after.

Matt Downing at DAAT said: "There is a drug alert system that circulates information about any possible strong or dangerous drugs that may have hit the streets.

"I have been working in this area for 13 years and I have never come across D0I before. We operate on a better safe than sorry policy and share as much information as we can to reduce the amount of harm these drugs might cause."

A Chippenham police spokesman said: "Amphetamines are a Class B drug which carry a maximum penalty of three months in prison or a £2,500 fine for unauthorised possession.

"If this drug is a methamphetamine then the penalties are more severe because it has recently been reclassified as a Class A drug.

"Buying this substance on the street is not only illegal but extremely dangerous and this should act as a strong warning and forceful deterrent to drug users."