MDMA warning as teenager dies and several in hospital after ‘taking Red Bull pills’

‘At this time we believe the tablet taken is a red hexagonal pill named ‘Red Bull’... we are concerned there may be others who have also taken this,’ say police

A 19-year-old man has died and a number of people were admitted to a hospital in Leamington after taking MDMA in the form of a “red hexagonal pill named ‘Red Bull’”, Warwickshire Police have said.

Police were called to a venue on Spencer Street around 5am to a report a teenager had become “seriously ill”, but he died later in hospital. His next of kin has been informed.

A 22-year-old woman was among those admitted to hospital and remains in a serious condition, police said.

Authorities believe the group were at The Assembly for a drum and bass student event, but may not have bought the drugs at the venue.

Warwickshire Police have warned anyone who may have bought or ingested the drugs to seek medical attention.

Detective Superintendent Pete Hill said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the teenager, and specialist officers are currently supporting them.

“At this time, we believe the tablet taken is a red hexagonal pill named ‘Red Bull’, which is believed to be MDMA, and we are concerned there may be others who have also taken this.

The red pills are believed to be MDMA (Warwickshire Police)

“Whilst the cause of death has not been confirmed and we are keeping an open mind as to whether the substance caused a bad reaction or an overdose, we would advise anyone who has also taken it to seek medical advice.”

Mr Hill added anyone who bought the pills in question should “safely dispose of them” if they have not yet ingested them.

“If others were at the same event last night and are aware their friends took this drug, please check in on them to ensure they are ok,” said Mr Hill.

Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation should call Warwickshire Police on 101 quoting incident 63 of 1 February 2020.