Man in intensive care after taking ‘legal high’

Potentially dangerous ‘legal high’ ‘Annihilation’

A 33-year-old man is currently in hospital in intensive care after taking the potentially dangerous ‘legal high’, known as ‘annihilation’.

Police were called to Drake Street shortly after 11am today, Friday 20 May, to reports that the man had collapsed. His friends told officers at the scene that he had been taking legal highs.

Later today, at around 2:20pm, police were called again to Drake Street/junction of Oldham Road where a man, aged 39, had collapsed.

The man is believed to have also taken a legal high before collapsing. He received medical attention at the scene before leaving of his own accord.

Detective Inspector Andy Butterworth, of GMP’s Rochdale Division, said: “Today, two men have fallen ill after taking the ‘legal high’ known as ‘annihilation’. The use of ‘legal highs’ is a worrying trend and has ended with a man in hospital in intensive care.

“I want to remind people about the potentially life threatening consequences of ‘legal highs’ – they may not be illegal but they definitely are not safe.

“I would urge people not to buy these so-called ‘legal highs’ and to consider the threat they pose to lives.

“If family or friends find any legal highs please dispose responsibly or hand in to police.”

If people have taken this ‘legal high’ it is imperative that they recognise the signs and symptoms and act fast. Symptoms include:

• Profuse sweating 
• Racing heartbeat 
• Extreme muscle tension 
• Delirious ranting 
• Very high body temperature

If any person is showing signs of these symptoms, it is essential to call 999, put the casualty in the recovery position and ask for immediate medical assistance.

For help or advice on all drugs including ‘legal highs’ Talk to Frank:

0800 777 6600
www.talktofrank.com

Anyone with information about where this drug may have come from is asked to contact police on 101 as soon as possible, or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.