A WARNING has been issued about the dangers of taking ecstasy, following a number of recent hospitalisations.

On Wednesday (December 13) a 16-year-old girl from north Pembrokeshire ended up in hospital.

A quantity of Rolls Royce tablets were also seized over the weekend from a property in Brynamman, Carmarthenshire.

Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) are working in partnership with Hywel Dda Health Board and Dyfed-Powys Police to ensure people stay safe.

They are urging anyone considering taking ecstasy not put their health and lives at risk.

People should be particularly careful if offered MDMA (ecstasy) named Ikea - blue and yellow tablets branded with the Ikea logo - or Rolls Royce, pink tablets embossed with the Rolls Royce logo.

Users report IKEA pills can be up to four times stronger than other tablets available.

Milford Mercury: 'Rolls Royce' ecstasy tablets'Rolls Royce' ecstasy tablets

In the last month, several teenagers have been admitted to hospital in Pembrokeshire suffering the effects of ecstasy, including dangerously high heart rates, sweating, and in one instance a patient had to be put on a ventilator.

The organisations are working together to prevent people from suffering the effects of these substances.

Sian Roberts, service manager for DDAS, said: “We would like to discourage even the most frequent user of MDMA or ecstasy from using this drug as we are seeing life-threatening symptoms with some batches circulating in the area.

"There is no way of knowing what is in a tablet or powder until after someone has taken it.

"If someone does buy and take the drug and start to feel ill, they must go to hospital immediately informing medical professionals what they have taken.”

Detective Superintendent Gary Phillips, Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “Dyfed-Powys Police is working proactively to disrupt the sale of such drugs on our streets and to prevent anyone else from coming to harm.

"We’re also working closely with support agencies to educate individuals on the personal risks of taking drugs and the wider impact on the community.

"We are appealing to anyone with information about the supply of MDMA in the community to contact the police by calling 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Joanna Dainton, of Hywel Dda Health Board and Lead for the Dyfed Area Planning Board said: “The most important thing is to prevent any further admissions and further heartache to families.

"If members of the public are concerned about their own or someone’s else’s drug or alcohol use then they can contact DDAS on 03303 639997 for information, advice and support.”

Alternatively, call Dan 24/7, Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline on 0808 808 2234 or text DAN to 81066.