LOCAL clubbers tempted to try the drug ecstasy have been warned to steer clear after one pill was found to contain rat poison.

Ambulance crews and hospital accident and emergency departments have been alerted after the yellow pill was found to contain the deadly poison strychnine.

The lethal pills were discovered in Holland, believed to be the main source of imported ecstasy in the country.

The tablet contained eight milligrams of the deadly substance, used to kill rats. A dose of over 5 milligrams could prove fatal.

It is feared that a batch of these deadly pills could have been smuggled into the country and be changing hands in pubs and clubs in the North West. A spokesman for Morecambe Bay Health Authority said: "Virtually all the ecstasy used in this country is smuggled from Holland. The Dutch police believe there may be other tablets around that contain the poison.

Between five and 15 milligrams of strychnine can be fatal to humans. We have alerted GPs across throughout the Bay as it is possible that drug users could be exposed to lethal levels of strychnine. The first symptoms may include apprehensiveness and a heightened sense of awareness. This could be followed by severe spasms, muscle rigidity and exaggerated tendon reflexes. Convulsions may also occur."

There is no specific antidote for strychnine poisoning and the Government's Drugs Czar, Keith Hellawell, said: "This illustrates the dangers of buying and using illegal drugs - the criminals supplying them are only interested in their profits."

Anyone who is offered a yellow pill with brown flecks is advised to contact the police on 63333.

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