Teens hospitalised after taking prescription drugs

On Friday 3 June 2016 a number of teenagers in Sidmouth took a prescription only drug called Alprazolam, which is manufactured as Xanax.

Five teenagers, aged 17 and 18, were seriously ill as a result and were treated in intensive care at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Officers form CID and the local policing team in Sidmouth are investigating the matter and enquiries are continuing.

An 18-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of supplying the drugs and is currently on bail until 22 August pending further enquiries.

PC Simon Blyth, neighbourhood beat manager for Sidmouth, said: “Xanax is particularly popular in the USA as an anti-anxiety drug and features in song lyrics, which have for some, further popularised this drug.

“Taking a drug that was not prescribed, in conjunction with drinking alcohol, resulted in five young people being hospitalised.

“It is through good fortune and the high standard of care of the NHS which meant there were no fatalities.”

Anyone who is offered this drug, or any other prescription drugs, is asked to contact police by emailing 101@dc.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference CR/036765/16.

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or reporting online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

For anyone who has a friend or relative suffering from drug or alcohol problems, they can refer them to RISE, Recovery and Integration Service. It is a recovery orientated drug and alcohol service delivered across Devon by Addaction and EDP Drug and Alcohol Services. For more information visit: www.riserecovery.org.uk/