Amsterdam authorities warn of "extremely dangerous cocaine"
Tourists visiting the city are warned that potentially fatal heroin is being sold as cocaine
The city of Amsterdam is warning visitors about a batch of "extremely dangerous cocaine". Signs (like the one above) have been erected outside Central Station and the Rembrandtplein and Leiseplein squares following the deaths of two English men.
Shaun Brotherston, 20, and Bradley Price, 21, were found dead in an Amsterdam hotel room on Tuesday after snorting pure heroin. It's thought they'd bought the substance from a dealer thinking it was cocaine. The drug is said to have killed a third British man last month and the BBC reports that 14 other tourists have needed medical attention after taking pure heroin since September.
Police spokesman Rob van der Veen said: "These are the first cases the police have seen where white heroin has been taken as cocaine in the Netherlands." A post-mortem is due to be carried out on Brotherson and Price but, as traces of white powder were found in their hotel room, it is strongly suspected that heroin was the cause of their death.
"We checked the powder and it looked like cocaine, but after testing it we found it was white heroin. The contents were the same as material we seized in other cases where people got ill," van der Veen said.
The pair from Plymouth were visiting Amsterdam to celebrate Price's 21st birthday. Officials have been warning tourists about the potentially deadly drugs over the last two weeks and have now increased efforts to inform those visiting the city.
Police and media are referring to the drug as "white heroin", ie. heroin in pure, powder form. It's being sold at cocaine price in Amsterdam, leading Police to think that certain dealers are selling it thinking it is actually cocaine.
Tourists flock to Amsterdam every year in search of a party thanks to its vibrant club scene and famous coffee shops. With New Year's Eve approaching and Trouw kicking off its closing parties, those of you flying over to the city to see off 2014 are advised to be vigilant and aware when buying drugs.
[Photo: AP Images]
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