Health organisations across Carmarthenshire have teamed up with Dyfed-Powys Police to issue a warning about the dangers of ecstasy, following a number of recent hospitalisations.

Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS), in partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board and Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone considering taking ecstasy to firstly, not put their health and lives at risk, but secondly, be particularly careful if offered MDMA (ecstasy) named Ikea, blue and yellow tablets branded with the Ikea logo, or Rolls Royce, which are pink tablets embossed with the Rolls Royce logo.

In the last month, a quantity of Rolls Royce tablets were seized from a property in Brynaman.

Also several teenagers have been admitted to hospital in Pembrokeshire suffering the effects of ecstasy, including dangerously high heart rates, sweating, and in one instance a patient had to be put on a ventilator.

The most recent incident being the hospitalisation of a 16-year-old girl on December 13.

The organisations are working together to prevent people from suffering the effects of these substances.

Sian Roberts, Service Manager for DDAS, said: “We would like to discourage even the most frequent user of MDMA or ecstasy from using this drug as we are seeing life-threatening symptoms with some batches circulating in the Dyfed area. There is no way of knowing what is in a tablet or powder until after someone has taken it.

If someone does buy and take the drug and start to feel ill, they must go to hospital immediately informing medical professionals what they have taken.”

Detective Superintendent Gary Phillips, Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “Dyfed-Powys Police is working proactively to disrupt the sale of such drugs on our streets and to prevent anyone else from coming to harm. We’re also working closely with support agencies to educate individuals on the personal risks of taking drugs and the wider impact on the community. We are appealing to anyone with information about the supply of MDMA in the community to contact the police by calling 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Joanna Dainton, Head of Commissioning and Partnership Strategy Development (Drug and Alcohol Misuse) for Hywel Dda University Health Board and Lead for the Dyfed Area Planning Board said: “The most important thing is to prevent any further admissions and further heartache to families. If members of the public are concerned about their own or someone’s else’s drug or alcohol use then they can contact DDAS on 03303 639997 for information, advice and support.”

Call DDAS on 03303 639 997 - a confidential phone line where anyone can ring up for advice and information about any drugs or to make a referral in for a confidential appointment.

Alternatively, call Dan 24/7, Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline on 0808 808 2234 or text DAN to 81066 or visit dan247.org.uk.