Bondi lifeguard calls out public as suspicious 'vitamins' found on beach
While Dean Gladstone's words were spoken in jest, it comes as health authorities issue a more serious warning.
A lifeguard at one of the country's most popular beaches has warned swimmers to keep hold of their possessions after suspected MDMA pills washed ashore on Tuesday.
It comes as health authorities alert Aussies of dangerous tablets being sold as ecstasy, that are laced with deadly opioids.
Posting to social media, Bondi lifeguard and TV personality Dean Gladstone uploaded a video in which he shows a packet of two coloured tablets, likely containing MDMA, in a small satchel that had washed up on the iconic beach.
Suspicious pills wash ashore at Bondi
"Just a reminder to keep your possessions safe at Bondi," Gladstone said. "Someone clearly lost these 'vitamins' while swimming in the water today," he joked. "Thankfully, someone handed them in — if they are your vitamins or if you know a friend that lost some vitamins, please tag them."
While Gladstone's words were spoken in jest, health authorities on Monday warned Aussies over MDMA on a more serious note, with "deadly" ecstasy tablets currently on the market being found to contain the potent opioid nitazene.
Aussies warned over 'dangerous' opioid-laced MDMA
Three people have been hospitalised this week alone across Sydney after taking as little as half a tablet, NSW Health warned, with one patient even being admitted to the ICU. Tests confirmed the patient had ingested nitazene after being sold what they were told was MDMA.
NSW Poisons Information Centre Medical Director Dr Darren Roberts said consuming drugs containing potent opioids such as nitazenes can kill. "Nitazenes can be as strong, or stronger than fentanyl and may be more likely to impair breathing than other opioids," he said.
"It's important people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond. Taking the appropriate action early can save a life."
Opioid overdose symptoms can include pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing or snoring, or skin turning blue and grey.
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