Drugs Warning After Death Of Kirkintilloch Boxer

Police and health officials have issued a drug warning after an amatuer boxer died and two others were hospitalised after taking supposed ecstasy tablets. Emergency services were called to a house in Waterloo Close, Kirkintilloch, at around 3.30pm yesterday after the three men, aged 24, 23 and 16, fell ill. They were taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the 24-year-old, who's been named locally as Richie Carrigan, died a short time later. The other two remain in a serious condition, police said.

The former Scottish Youth Champion was coached by Hugh Docherty at the Kirkintilloch Boxing Club.

He is paying tribute to the boxer he describes as "talented" and "dedicated".

A post-mortem examination is to be held but officers believe ecstasy tablets were involved and have issued a warning. The drugs concerned are said to have no markers on them and come either as clear capsules containing white powder or in a pink tablet form. Detective Inspector Greig Wilkie said: "Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the men taking ill. A post-mortem will take place regarding the death of the 24-year-old man." "One line of enquiry being pursued by officers is that a type of ecstasy may have been involved. However, this has still to be confirmed." "Whether or not drugs have been involved in this case, I must take the opportunity to stress just how dangerous drugs are. We all know that illicit drugs are extremely dangerous, usually contain dangerous chemicals which can have an adverse effect on your health." "People need to understand the devastating effect they can have so my advice is, don't risk it and report any information to the police.'' Similar warnings were issued last year about Mortal Kombat pills following the death of a 17-year-old, Regane MacColl, in a night club. Dr Emilia Crighton said people taking unregulated recreational drugs are "playing Russian roulette with their lives'". "No one knows exactly what these drugs contain or how strong they are,'' the doctor said. "I urge anyone who feels unwell, or knows anyone who appears unwell after taking recreational drugs to seek early treatment. In particular, anyone who is hot to touch or has a high temperature, is experiencing muscle cramping, has blurred vision, is confused, agitated and feels unusually high or anxious should attended their nearest A&E department as soon as possible.''