Warning issued over ecstasy pills in Galashiels

The TD1 Youth Hub is urging parents to talk to their children about the issue.

And the organisation, which works with young people aged between 11 and 25, said it was important they know the ‘street’ names of the drugs – to keep youngsters safe from dealers.

In a social media appeal, it said: “Whether we like to admit this or not, Galashiels, like all towns across Scotland has its share of issues with drugs.

“Over recent months there appears to be an increasing amount of ecstasy pills that are in Galashiels, especially blue ‘illuminati pills’. These are being sold for around £10 a pill.

“We would advise parents/guardians to ensure that they are aware of the signs of ecstasy use and to have conversations with their child about this.

“Pills are usually stamped with some sort of logo (often a well known brand which the pills are named after like the illuminati pills with an ‘eye’ on them).

“They can be any colour and usually will be blue, pink or green colours.

“Usually the actual ecstasy content (MDMA) is fairly low and pills are cut with other dangerous substances.”

Ecstasy can take around 15-30 minutes to ‘kick in’ and can last for around two to four hours. It can stay in your system for up to four days after taking it and has street names such as ‘eccies’, ‘pills’ and ‘mandy’.

Negative effects include paranoia, panic attacks and anxiety, while physical effects include dilated pupils, pulling faces and feeling hot.

At Wednesday’s meeting of Galashiels Community Council, PC James Harrison said: “As you may have heard, we have had calls relating to ecstasy in the town this month. The Community Action Team is continuing to carry out stop and searches and we also have a unit set up which looks at the dangers of drug misuse.

“Information is valuable and the more information we have, the more we can do.

“I would encourage anyone who has information to come forward to police or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”