fabric urges clubgoers to stay safe as “fake ketamine” circulates UK
Symptoms of the drug are said to include unresponsiveness and difficulty breathing
fabric has urged clubgoers to stay safe and be wary of a new unknown drug currently circulating UK clubs after several people were hospitalised on Tuesday during an event at the Hammersmith venue.
Reports of “fake ketamine”, which is currently known to cause adverse reactions such as difficulty breathing, have come to light in the past week, fabric report.
“There is currently a substance in circulation that is being sold as ketamine and unfortunately a number of people have been hospitalised by taking it,” fabric posted in a statement to Instagram on Thursday.
According to the club, symptoms are similar to a ‘k-hole’, but side effects are “far worse” and have caused those taking it to be unresponsive or even struggle to breathe.
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“Various people who attended our event on Tuesday night were taken to hospital and the police have advised that this has also happened at a number of other venues across London,” fabric added.
fabric also assured that there are paramedics on call at the venue for anyone feeling unwell and a dedicated welfare zone. “If in doubt, please don’t take it. Look after yourself and your friends,” they added.
Speaking on the importance of drug testing, The Loop CEO Katy Porter told Mixmag: “Regular, rapid and accurate drug testing can help to identify substances of concern in circulation and assist in specific and targeted harm reduction messages.”
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“Harm Reduction Hubs, which The Loop is working to develop, can support collaboration of those working in the Night Time Economy alongside wider stakeholders, including the police and health services, to reduce potential drug-related harm across communities, city centres, and venues.”
She added: “Importantly, the process of drug checking and the information generated can directly engage people who may be using or considering using drugs and facilitate tailored harm reduction conversations.”
To find out more on drug testing and harm reduction, head to The Loop.
Mixmag has contacted fabric, the Met Police and City of London Police for comment.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Editorial Assistant, follow her on Twitter