Greater Manchester Combined Authority have issued an urgent warning following the tragedies(Image: Getty Images)

An urgent warning has been issued after ‘two separate, tragic deaths in Manchester’, both believed to have involved a particular powder drug.

In the last week alone, two young women died. Both are believed to have taken MDMA powder.

The warning, which came yesterday (October 23), has been issued by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) drugs early warning system. It was also shared on social media by Mandrake (Manchester Drug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange).

A message written by the Greater Manchester Drug Alert Panel says: “In the last week, two young women have died in separate incidents in Manchester.

“Both are believed to have taken MDMA powder.”

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The warning advises that the causes of these tragic deaths has yet to be established, and that no drugs involved in the incidents have been tested. It is also not yet known if the deaths of the women, who have not been named, are linked.

But the panel says: “Tests on multiple samples of MDMA powder and crystals seized from Manchester last weekend show a wide range of purities, from four per cent to 77 per cent, but do not indicate contamination with other substances.

“With such variable purity drugs in circulation, it is impossible to gauge the dose of MDMA you are taking.”

‘In the last week, two young women have died in separate incidents in Manchester’

The warning goes on to say that ‘MDMA kills’, with 78 people dying after using the drug last year.

“Half of these deaths were after using MDMA alone without other drugs. Risk is increased if high doses of MDMA are taken.”

The drug panel continues that: “The only way of ensuring your safety is by not using MDMA (ecstasy), but if you still choose to use:

“Reduce risk:

Start with a small dose: start with a small test dose – no more than 1/4 pill or a dab of powder – and wait 90 minutes before taking any more.Dissolve: Make sure any crystals are properly dissolved in a drink and don’t share so you know how much you are taking.Don’t mix drugs: taking alcohol, other stimulants like cocaine, other drugs and prescription medications such as antidepressants (e.g. SSRIs) and tramadol increases risk.Avoid overheating: As this adds to the risk. Sip water regularly and have a break from dancing.

“Look after your mates:

Don’t use alone: keep an eye on your friends and look after them if they are in trouble.Get help straight away: call for help (ring for an ambulance or take them to first aid/welfare) as soon as they feel unwell or you’re worried about them. If they are unconscious put them on their side so they don’t choke on vomit, call for help and stay with them until help arrives.”

The panel shared a link to local support services, saying help and advice is available from local drug services here.

And there is also shared MDMA dose information here.