Three arrested after new drug leaves six in hospital - ChronicleLive

POLICE have arrested three men after six people took a new illegal drug and ended up in hospital.

Cops also last released a picture of the recovered substance as they warned of the drug's dangers.

Officers were called to a student house in Ripon Gardens, in Jesmond, Newcastle, on Friday after reports the occupants had overdosed on drugs.

When they arrived they discovered six men, some Newcastle University students, aged between 19 and 22, had taken the drug 2CB, which had been ordered off the internet. One of the men remains in a critical condition in Newcastle RVI.

Two men, both aged 23, and a 20-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug and have been bailed pending further enquiries.Police said the drug was bought in a white powder form and some of it had been recovered.

The recovered substance is believed to be 2CI, which is connected to the 2CB drug. The drug can also come in the form of small pills. Fearing more people may be tempted to try the drug, police have issued an alert to hospitals and partner agencies in the area.

The hallucinogenic drug 2CB is also known as Bromo, Nexus, CB, Performax, Spectrum, Venus, Erox, Cloud Nine or Toonies.

Police say 2CB often comes in purple capsules and is an hallucinogen related to ecstasy. It is also sold as white powder or small pills. It is an illegal class A drug and is particularly dangerous when mixed with other substances.

Chief Supt Gary Calvert, of Newcastle Area Command, said: "We were called to the address and six people were taken to hospital. We are carrying out extensive inquiries and are working with our partner agencies to find out what has happened and warn others of the dangers.

"Taking any illegal drug is dangerous and potentially life-threatening and 2CB is an illegal hallucinogenic drug.

"If anyone has any of these in their possession we urge them not to take them and hand them in to the police.

"Anyone who may have taken the drug and feels unwell should seek medical attention immediately.

"Medical professionals in the area have been alerted."