​Warnings issued over “potentially fatal” ketamine circulating Manchester

Several urgent warnings have been issued over a “potentially fatal” batch of ketamine in circulation around Manchester.

Harm reduction and drug testing service MANDRAKE, which operates out of Manchester Metropolitan University, issued a warning on Twitter on Thursday, June 4, over an unsafe batch of ketamine.

“Caution,” the post reads, “Xylazine analytically confirmed, by MANDRAKE Lab, in samples of ketamine circulating in Manchester.”

Xylazine is a sedative drug said to be “potentially fatal if consumed”, particularly in combination with ketamine. The drug is usually used by vets to treat “large animals”, and is often found laced in heroin and other drugs.

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MANDRAKE urged anyone feeling unwell after taking ketamine to seek medical attention and to contact local drug and medical services for support.

Both the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University have issued warnings to students, with links to resources and advice.

Greater Manchester Drugs Early Warning System (GMDEWS) also shared caution on Tuesday, urging those looking to use the drug to take a “small test dose” beforehand.

Read this next: Warnings issued over "dangerous" batch of ketamine circulating in Liverpool

In April, Merseyside Police issued similar warnings over a “dangerous” batch of ketamine in circulation around Liverpool.

The warnings followed news that three men had suffered seizures after taking ketamine at a premises on Fleet Street in March. All three men were admitted to hospital, Merseyside Police reported.

“I would urge young people to learn more about the impact and signs of ketamine and report any use of the drug to our officers so we can keep you and your friends safe in our city,” said Detective Inspector Ruth Tickle after the incident.

We’ve listed some helpful resources below.

Pill Report is a harm reduction and information service offering drug testing kits, ear protection, and more. Find out more about them here.

The Loop is a non-profit NGO promoting harm reduction, health & wellbeing through drug checking, staff training, information & advice. Find out more about them here, and donate to The Loop's Just Giving page, which will assist in the purchase of testing equipment and the ability to run labs in more locations.

WEDINOS is a harm reduction project providing an anonymous service, and reflects trends in substance use. Find out more about them here.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter