PHA issues drug safety warning ahead of Belfast weekend gigs

It comes after two young people tragically died following the Emerge Music Festival last weekend.

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The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a drug safety warning to people attending concerts in Belfast this weekend. It comes after two young people tragically died following the Emerge Music Festival last weekend.

The PHA said it cannot comment on ongoing investigations by the PSNI in relation to recent tragic events, as it issued a reminder to people to be aware of their safety and that of their friends.

Seventeen-year-old Mia Keevan became unwell at the event on Sunday night and later died in hospital, while 24-year-old Trae Keenan passed away after falling ill at an Airbnb on Sunday morning, having attended the festival the night before. Both deaths are now the subject of ongoing police investigations.

In a statement on Thursday, the PHA spokesperson said, “We are aware of the community's concern around safety and well-being at events, so it is important that people take steps to help keep themselves and those around them safe.

“Taking unknown substances or taking something when you cannot be sure of the contents could cause serious illness or even be fatal. It is important to remember that it is impossible to know what may be contained in these substances.

“All drugs, whether it is alcohol, illegal substances or prescription medication, carry risks, and this danger increases greatly when you mix drugs, including alcohol.

“Mixing different types of drugs is unpredictable, can increase the toxicity of already potentially harmful substances and increases the risk of serious harm.

“The PHA monitors intelligence and information from a range of sources to determine if there are particular emerging risks and will take steps as appropriate to raise awareness, but it is important to emphasise that taking any substance at any time in a way which is not medically intended can be dangerous, especially as you can never really know what is in it or its strength.”

The primary risk factors when using drugs include taking too much of a substance, taking a substance over an extended period of time, taking a large amount of a substance over a short period of time (‘bingeing’), mixing drugs with other drugs and/or alcohol, and using drugs on your own.

If you are with someone who becomes unwell, contact event staff and seek medical help immediately and stay with them until help arrives.

Be aware of the risks associated with alcohol and other drugs as they can carry serious risks.

With any drug or medicine the PHA say there are three key things to bear in mind:

• What is the dose? If you take too much of it you could die.
• What are you taking it for? If it is not clinically prescribed for you, then it could be dangerous.
• If you are taking it with something else, for example mixing it with alcohol or other drugs, it could impact your mental and physical health and cause serious harm.

The PHA is also encouraging parents and guardians to talk to young people about the risks of alcohol and drugs. For further advice and information on support services, visit www.DrugsAndAlcoholNI.info. The PHA also published a video on social media last week with drugs advice around festivals.

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