A concerning incident has unfolded as five schoolchildren were rushed to hospital, with one left in a coma, after reportedly using a vape pen containing the illegal drug, Spice.
Authorities were alerted to the distressing situation on January 29 when police officers responded to reports of several students falling ill at a school in Eltham. The affected children exhibited symptoms such as reduced consciousness, vomiting, and confusion, indicating potential ingestion of a vape liquid tainted with Spice, a synthetic cannabinoid notorious for its dangerous effects.
According to New Scotland Yard, investigations suggest that the vape products involved may have been sold by illegal drug dealers under the guise of containing THC, a compound found in cannabis. However, subsequent testing revealed that the vapes contained Spice, a highly potent substance known for inducing severe and unpredictable reactions in users.
The severity of the situation became apparent as one of the five youngsters was placed in an induced coma due to the severity of their condition. Thankfully, medical intervention proved successful, and the individual was later revived and began the process of recovery.
In a statement issued by a spokesperson for Metropolitan Police, the dangers associated with Spice and illicit vape products were underscored, urging the public to refrain from purchasing illegal drugs due to the inherent risks involved. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and health authorities aims to raise awareness about the dangers posed by such substances and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Spice, often referred to as the “zombie drug,” is notorious for its ability to induce a trance-like state, leading to unpredictable and potentially life-threatening consequences for users. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illicit substances and the importance of vigilance among parents, carers, and schools in safeguarding the well-being of young individuals.
As police inquiries continue to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident, parents, carers, and educational institutions are urged to remain vigilant and seek medical assistance promptly if similar symptoms are observed in young individuals.
The school at the centre of the incident remains undisclosed as investigations into the matter proceed, with authorities committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all individuals involved
