Several batches of ketamine tested in recent days were found to contain medetomidine, a potent veterinary anaesthetic commonly used on large animals
Users are being warned taking the contaminated drug could be fatal
Ketamine which has been ‘contaminated’ with a super-strength sedative used by vets is being sold in Manchester, drug users have been warned. Greater Manchester Drug Early Warning System said several batches of the drug tested in recent days were found to contain medetomidine, a potent veterinary anaesthetic commonly used on large animals.
Taking the mixture of the two drugs could be fatal, experts have warned. It’s understood testing was carried out after one user raised concerns they had taken ketamine which ‘tasted funny’.
The warning reads: “Medetomidine is similar to xylazine but 200 times more potent and longer lasting. The combination of ketamine and medetomidine is likely to result in extreme prolonged sedation and could be fatal.
“The combination of ketamine and medetomidine may also leave you extremely vulnerable and at risk of sexual assault or robbery.”
Users are being urged to test ketamine with medetomidine strips and throw away if the results are positive, to start with a small test dose and not to take more for at least an hour and not to take the drug alone.
The warning adds: “If they have trouble breathing, turn pale or have blue lips: clear any vomit that is blocking their throat; lean the head back; use CPR if you know how. If they are unconscious and can’t be roused, put them into the recovery position to avoid them drowning in their own vomit
“If a friend is in trouble, phone for an ambulance or seek help from medical welfare staff straight away. If in doubt, call for help.”