A 33-year-old man is in intensive care after collapsing while taking the legal high ‘Annihiliation’.
Greater Manchester Police has issued an urgent warning over the potentially fatal substance.
The force said it had been called to two incidents today where men had collapsed after ingesting the drug.
The brand is sold online as a ‘herbal incense’ and, as with most legal highs, marked ‘strictly not for human consumption’.
It was targeted for a Home Office ban after leaving nine people in hospital in Glasgow in 2012.
The 33-year-old man was found unconsious on Drake Street in Rochdale this morning at 11am.
His friends told police he had been taking legal highs. He is currently in hospital in an induced coma.
Around three hours later a 39-year-old man was found collapsed in Rochdale town centre.
He received medical attention at the scene before leaving of his own accord.
Greater Manchester Police issued the following public safety advice:
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.
Detective Inspector Andy Butterworth of GMP’s Rochdale Borough, 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.”
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.
