Toxic chemical found in PAINT being ‘sold as MDMA’

A TOXIC chemical used in paint is being "sold as MDMA", it has been revealed, as police seized a record number of drugs at Leeds festival.

Manchester Pride and Creamfields Festival organisers have issued strong warnings for revellers to "take care" amid celebrations.

Scientists from The Manchester Drug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange discovered the chemical MMMP from both festivals.

The substance also known as photoinitator, is normally used in the production of inks and in coloured coatings.

Dr Oliver Sutcliffe from MANDRAKE team confirmed "numerous bags" which are being sold as MDMA had been found over the weekend.

It comes as West Yorkshire police released images of a huge drugs haul from Leeds Festival, including large amounts of cannabis and MDMA.

Officers said drug dogs had been working "flat out" throughout the festival at Bramham Park.

Manchester Pride's official Twitter account posted a warning which said: "“WARNING! Harmful MMMP (Caccure 907) sold as crystal MDMA. MMMP is a potentially toxic substance. TAKE CARE! If unwell see medics.”

Very little is known about its effect on humans, but it is considered toxic to fish and dangerous to the environment.

It looks very similar to the crystal form of MDMA, or Ecstasy, prompting fears that festival-goers may take it, mistaking it for the party drug.

Creamfields Festival organisers tweeted: "MMMP has been identified by our on-site Lab.

“There is no safe way to visually tell its strength and contents.

“If you have a substance of concern please drop into Welfare; use the amnesty bins provided. If you or a friend feel unwell seek help @chillWelfare in the Campsite village.”

Organisers at the Cheshire event also warned f yellow coloured 'UPS' pills which were said to be circulating at the festival.

Rather than MDMA, the pills contain the powerful stimulant alpha-PVP.

Organisers added: “Yellow UPS sold as MDMA have been tested by onsite lab and identified as a long lasting powerful stimulant alpha-PVP which can cause extreme anxiety,paranoia & unpleasant hallucinations.

Dosage is much lower than MDMA so it’s easy to take too much, seek help if you feel unwell.”

Drug safety has been high on the agenda at Pride in recent years.

Two people were taken ill after taking super-strength Green Rolex Ecstasy pills in 2016.