Police and health warning following overdose
Release Date: Thursday, April 11 2013, 05:05 PM
Health and police authorities in the ACT have issued a warning to the community following the accidental drug overdose by two men earlier today in the grounds of the University of Canberra.
About 11am ACT Ambulance Service was called to the student accommodation building, where two men, aged 26 and 28 respectively, were located unconscious under a verandah.
The men were conveyed to Calvary Hospital in a critical condition. Detective Sergeant John Giles from ACT Policing’s Criminal Investigations said it appears the men had ingested what they mistakenly believed to be ecstasy capsules but what police suspect are a synthetic Ketamine product.
Dr Simon Robertson from ACT Health said this incident is a stark reminder of the damage illicit drugs can cause.
“It’s disturbing that people continue to take these substances, and they have no idea the kinds of poisons they contain,” said Dr Robertson.”
Sergeant Giles expressed his concern that this particular drug is still circulating throughout the ACT community, particularly the nightclub districts. The drug is described as a clear capsule, containing a white powder with a flour-like consistency.
“Our priority, as is that of health professionals, is for the health and welfare of anyone who may mistakenly take this toxic drug. The last thing we want to see is more young people risk their life by consuming drugs, especially when they have no idea what they contain,” Sergeant Giles said.
“ACT Policing is doing its best to battle illicit drugs in our community. We need young members of the community to be our eyes and ears, to help us prevent tragedies like this happening to Canberra families.”
If anyone has information about this incident, or any type of illicit drugs in Canberra they are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.act.crimestoppers.com.au.
ACT Policing and AFP Forensics on site at the University of Canberra New Ressies investigating the incident 
Yesterday morning in the Australian Capital Territory, two unconscious men were discovered outside the 's New Ressies.

Police said both men were in critical condition after being transported to nearby .  According to the University of Canberra and Campus Living Services, who operate the university's residence halls, neither man attended the university. Detective Sergeant John Giles from ACT Policing's Criminal Investigations said the police believe both men overdosed on a synthetic  product, which they likely consumed believing it was . According to Giles, ecstasy is commonly used at nightclubs in Canberra.

Emergency services were first called to the scene at 11:00am Canberra time; officials were on site for at least another hour and a half. ACT Policing secured the area while AFP Forensics investigated. At this stage, the  do not believe there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.

The incident follows a fire alarm going off at 3:20am Canberra time, and going off again around 7:20am.  Fire alarm testing has been scheduled for today.


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