NT Police are issuing a warning to the public after a number of people suffered serious adverse reactions after taking illicit drugs in Darwin City last night.

From about 7.00pm, police began receiving a number of reports of people collapsing and acting in an erratic and irrational manner.

Incidents occurred at various locations in the city including Mitchell Street, Uncle Sams, Ducks Nuts, Monsoons, Deck Bar, McDonalds and in Larrakeyah.

Members from the Drug Enforcement Section and Major Crime Unit were called on duty to take carriage of the matter. Announcements were made through licensed premises to warn patrons of the adverse reactions and potential dangers suffered by people who had taken this batch of drugs.

Six people were admitted to Royal Darwin Hospital overnight. A 19-year-old and 21-year-old male are currently in intensive care and in a serious but stable condition. A 23-year-old female and three males aged 23, 26 and 33 were admitted to emergency and later discharged.

"One of our main concerns is that contaminated pills have been further distributed in to the wider community, " Detective Superintendent Matt Hollamby said.

Police would like to warn any people who are in possession of an illicit drug, particularly in tablet, capsule or powder form, not to take them and hand them in to police.

"Taking illicit drugs is dangerous and potentiality deadly," Detective Superintendent Matt Hollamby said.

"They are not made under pharmaceutical conditions. You don't know what might be in them and what they will do to you."

Police urge anyone who may have ingested an illicit drug, or know of anyone who may have, to check on them or seek medical treatment. Anyone with information about these drugs is urged to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.


Sarah Trinne
8922 3531