Bristol's health and community leaders are warning that a dangerously high-strength batch of drugs circulating locally has killed one person and hospitalised around twenty others. The ecstasy pills, which are blue and feature a Tesla logo, have been described as a “serious health risk” by Bristol City Council’s Director of Public Health, Christina Gray.  

Not only are the drugs particularly potent, they are being sold at lower than usual market rates, presumably to reach new potential users and exploit the inequalities already exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Voscur supports the public health message to the city that help is available, both for immediate medical assistance in the event of a potential overdose, and in the form of longer-term support for addiction. Discussions with local venues and event organisers are ongoing, and we would encourage all relevant organisations to share appropriate safety messages to encourage mindfulness in the face of the additionally-strong drugs currently in circulation.  

VCSE organisations can help keep communities safe in three initial ways:

1. To stay up to date with and contribute to the implementation Bristol’s Drug and Alcohol strategy, go to the Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership website to subscribe to updates and download resources for professionals.
2. Look out on social media for public health materials to support local communities and share them with your networks.
3. To contact local organisations working in the drug and alcohol sector, search the VCSE Directory on Voscur’s website.