Police issued a warning to drug users last night after a 15-year-old boy was admitted to hospital suffering from an Ecstasy overdose.
The teenager was found in the Oxclose area of Washington, Wearside, and taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital, where he was detained, although his life is not believed to be in danger.
Officers fear the incident may indicate either a stronger strain of the drug or that users are experimenting with dangerous new trends.
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Byrne, of Northumbria Police, said there may be "an emerging culture within some of the drug users of Washington to take more Ecstasy than they normally would".
He said the drug may be being taken as "either an act of bravado or as a dare - an act which could have fatal consequences.
"Every time someone takes Ecstasy they are taking a risk with their life."
The teenager, who has not been named, is expected to be interviewed later today
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