Teens in drug overdose scare
A 16-year-old boarding student had to be put into an induced coma after the teenager and three other boarders overdosed yesterday.
Organised crime squad officers yesterday charged a 15-year-old boy with supplying what is believed to be synthetic LSD.
Specific charges will be determined after a ChemCentre analysis of chemicals police seized but the boy is due to appear in court on March 28.
St John Ambulance paramedics were called to City Beach Residential College at 1am. The college houses regional students attending academic or specialist schools including Perth Modern, Shenton College and John Curtin College of the Arts.
Manager Helen Dixon said the duty supervisor attended a student unit after hearing shouts.
It is understood the four Year 11 and 12 students were alone inside when they took the drug.
"The supervisor found four students in distress and called an ambulance immediately for medical assistance," Ms Dixon said.
Paramedics rushed two students to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and a staff member took another two boys for assessment. It is understood a 16-year-old was initially put in an induced coma.
A SCGH spokeswoman said three boys were discharged yesterday and the 16-year-old was in a stable condition.
Det-Insp. Chris Adams said the teens had put their lives at risk.
"I can't warn the community enough that engaging in any type of drug use is dangerous and for young people who are more susceptible to drug use, there's a range of community groups that can provide support," he said.
Det-Insp. Adams said organised crime officers were aware of a warning from New Zealand Police last week after four men were admitted to a Christchurch hospital after taking a hallucinogenic drug but the batches were not believed to be linked.
Anti-drugs campaigner Rodney Bridge, whose son Preston died after taking synthetic LSD last year, said he was pleased someone was charged so quickly after the incident but it was devastating that teenagers were still turning a blind eye to the possible harm.
