News: Death prompts illegal drugs warning - ABC, 6 March 2006

Death prompts illegal drugs warning

Adelaide police have emphasised the dangers of taking illicit drugs after the death of a 27-year-old woman, who had apparently taken ecstasy.

The Mount Barker woman was socialising at nightclubs on or near Hindley Street in the early hours of Sunday when she started feeling ill.

She was taken to hospital but died.

Detective Superintendent Peter Giles says there is no safe way to take drugs.

"Even if friends take a tablet with no ill-effect it may be that some individuals have a medical predisposition to extreme adverse reactions," he said.

"It would again indicate that people should think twice before involving themselves with illicit drugs."

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PARTY DRUG KILLS MUM
By TEGAN SLUGGETT
07 Mar 2006

ONE mistake has cost a loving mother-of-two her life and has left her family devastated.

Mt Barker woman Meeghan Turra, 27, was rushed to hospital at 4am on Sunday after a bad reaction to the illicit drug ecstasy.

Her family has said it was unlike Mrs Turra to take drugs and she had fallen victim to "a shocking and tragic misjudgment".

Mark Turra, Mrs Turra's brother-in-law, said taking ecstasy was "a once-off thing for Meeghan".

"We weren't aware she was going to do it," he said. "It was completely out of character."

Mrs Turra had recently moved into a new house with husband Greg and sons, Noah, 3 1/2, and Harry, six months, and had started a promising career with retail company Ikea.

Yesterday, family members gathered in Mt Barker to help support Greg, Noah, Harry and each other.

Greg Turra told The Advertiser yesterday that his wife had been a wonderful person. "She was a very loving mother . . . and a great wife," he said.

"She was very outgoing, and always putting others before herself.

"She was willing to do anything for anyone, especially her kids and family."

He said Mrs Turra had continued to help people after her death by donating her organs.

He also said she had been striving to do the best she could at her new job at Ikea.

"She was working hard and long hours," he said.

"She was extremely smart and bright.

"She got promoted on her second day on the job."

Mr Turra said it was hard to believe she had gone.

"You go in and out of reality," he said.

"One minute it's surreal, because I'm coming home to the house, and all her clothes are around the house. It hasn't been long enough to realise she's gone.

Mark Turra said the family wanted to remind people of the dangers of taking drugs.

"This could happen to anyone," he said.

"What happened is very unfortunate and very out of character.

"It's a warning to other people."

Royal Adelaide Hospital illicit drug expert Dr David Caldicott said Mrs Turra's death was not associated with a "bad" batch of the drug believed to be in circulation in Adelaide.

"Unfortunately, most drug overdoses are associated with a stock standard batch," he said.

"The problem is you're never going to guarantee how to respond to any given batch of pills. Different people metabolise drugs in different ways."

Drug and Organised Crime Investigation Branch detective Inspector Peter Giles said deaths from the use of illicit drugs were more common than people realised.

"One of the upsetting things from our perspective is to try and educate the public to think twice before taking illegal substances," he said.

He described recreational drug use as a deadly game of "Russian roulette".

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From The Advertiser

Mother's ecstasy death sparks warning
By David Braithwaite
March 7, 2006 - 11:53AM

The death of a 27-year-old mother of two who reacted badly to ecstasy highlights the risks of using the drug, a Sydney drug expert has warned.

Meeghan Turra, from Mt Barker in the Adelaide Hills, died on Sunday after being rushed to hospital in the early hours of the morning.

Relatives said it was the first time Ms Turra, who had two boys aged three and six months, had used ecstasy. They described her actions as completely out of character.

National Drug and Alcohol Research Council information officer Paul Dillon said Ms Turra was older than most people reported to have died from ecstasy.

"The interesting thing here is it was an older person," he said.

"Often when a young teen dies people say they had a lack of life experience and didn't know what they were doing, but she had some life experience.

"It would be very unusual if she died from MDMA poisoning but it could have been many different things, such as hypothermia or a pre-existing condition like a heart problem.

"It's interesting talking to groups of ecstasy users after someone dies.

"There's always a round of excuses why, but the reality is they died because they took ecstasy and it causes problems."

Mr Dillon said recorded deaths from ecstasy use were rare, but they could be under-reported.

"It's very difficult to know the numbers because people often die a number of days after from complications so MDMA does not appear on the death certificate," he said.

"Often these cases only get attention when the media picks them up.

"[Deaths] are very rare but the most important thing to remember is it does happen and unfortunately there's a belief that ecstasy is really benign.

"It's also annoying when people talk about a bad batch, because it implies there's a good batch, but we know that's not true."

Mr Dillon said the non-lethal consequences of ecstasy use also deserved attention.

"There's a range of other consequences such as psychological problems, and we don't know enough about that area." he said.

"I think people need to know there are risks when taking any drug - it does not matter whether they're legal or illegal, because different drugs affect different people in different ways.

"Because ecstasy has a reputation as a benign substance they don't think about the consequences.

"These kinds of situations show that things can go wrong, and the tragic consequences that can affect people and those around them."

Royal Adelaide Hospital officials said Mrs Turra's death was not associated with a bad batch of ecstasy thought to be in circulation in Adelaide.

"The problem is you're never going to guarantee how people respond to any given batch of pills," the hospital's illicit drug expert David Caldicott said.

"Different people metabolise drugs in different ways."

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From Sydney Morning Herald

Terrible, terrible news. Surprisingly the last article was pretty informative and unbiased.

Feel sorry for the family and her kids a true tragedy, but sadly its the truth she probabbly couldent have avoided death as well, if she had her mind set on taking the drug even if she did to all the harm minimisation research she stil would have had an adverse reaction which would have been fatal anyway.

That's why everyone should approach illicit drug taking with great care.

If anyone is determined to try a drug for the first time - because of the inconsistency with illicit drugs, probably subsequent use as well - then they should first test for allergy by placing a very small amount under the tongue and waiting for 20-30 mins. I believe an old acquaintance of ours was saved by this practice. It was the only such reaction I've witnessed, but it certainly drove home the point that for some people, MDMA could be a lethal toxin.

You can never be to careful. I really feel for the family and especially the children.

Hopefully they will release the actual cause of death if they find it and if they know exactly what and how much she consumed, if not just to save speculation and media beat up.

phase_dancer said:

That's why everyone should approach illicit drug taking with great care.

If anyone is determined to try a drug for the first time - because of the inconsistency with illicit drugs, probably subsequent use as well - then they should first test for allergy by placing a very small amount under the tongue and waiting for 20-30 mins. I believe an old acquaintance of ours was saved by this practice. It was the only such reaction I've witnessed, but it certainly drove home the point that for some people, MDMA could be a lethal toxin.

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what was the reaction?

^She became quite disoriented and dizzy, and her skin went blotchy. Not so uncommon perhaps for someone on a large dose of MDMA, but she only had a tiny amount. The lady in question also has an immune disorder, characterized by severe arthritis and other symptoms. She was on other medications at the time, so there's a possibility there was some form of drug interaction. Whatever it was, it was a good thing she never had a whole pill, as was her original intention.

Death sparks pill test debate
By SAM RICHES
08 Mar 2006

THE death of mother-of-two Meeghan Turra has reignited debate for pill testing to be allowed at city nightclubs and major events.

Mrs Turra, 27, of Mt Barker, reacted badly after taking the illicit drug ecstasy while celebrating a new job with friends in the city on the weekend.

The particular tablet taken by Mrs Turra, mottled white and branded xXx, was not believed to be a "bad batch".

Rather it is believed Mrs Turra, who acted "out of character" in taking an illicit drug, had a bad reaction.

Mrs Turra, who had recently moved into a new house with husband Greg and sons Noah, 3, and Harry, six months, had started a new job with retail giant Ikea. She collapsed at the Cargo Club on Hindley St in the city at 4am on Sunday.

Friends took Mrs Turra to the Royal Adelaide Hospital but she died soon after.

As Mrs Turra's husband and their sons try to comprehend her death, friends and family told The Advertiser they hoped it was "a warning to other people" about the dangers of taking drugs.

Adelaide detectives were continuing their investigation.

Detectives believe Mrs Turra took the ecstasy at Cargo Club, but it is not known how or where she obtained it. Club management yesterday said every effort was made to ensure the safety of patrons. The popular nightclub supports pill testing.

Pill testing was vetoed by police and the State Government at the Enchanted rave in December.

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From The Advertiser

phase_dancer said:

That's why everyone should approach illicit drug taking with great care.

If anyone is determined to try a drug for the first time - because of the inconsistency with illicit drugs, probably subsequent use as well - then they should first test for allergy by placing a very small amount under the tongue and waiting for 20-30 mins. I believe an old acquaintance of ours was saved by this practice. It was the only such reaction I've witnessed, but it certainly drove home the point that for some people, MDMA could be a lethal toxin.

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Hear hear however this incredible wise piece of advice is never told to newbies

How many threads on BL have you seen where a newbie comes in, "taking xtasy first time" where this is never mentioned...

That said I don’t think we list the four biggest problems/killers of MDMA in a simple point for point sticky....

1. Allergic reaction (and how to test/deal with it)
2. Interaction with other drugs (especially MAIOS (obviously explain that if your taking anti-depressents of any sort that you should not take MDMA)
3. contaminated with other drugs (such as K, speed etc which in turn can cause allergic reaction) – tester etc etc
4. over hydration (explanation and how to deal with it)

On a side note for that matter how many people get allergic reactions with say speed or K?

So anyway what is my point, none except perhaps a sticky warning of these points would help alot....

How hard would it be to produce a pamplet about how to use MDMA safely? Is that illegal? Hand them out of raves and the alike, get to the population at a certain point to explain how to use safely.

Illicit pills amnesty
By MATT WILLIAMS
11 Mar 2006

ILLICIT drug overdose patients and/or their friends would be given amnesty for handing over pills while in hospital, under a proposal from one of the state's leading drug experts.

Royal Adelaide Hospital emergency research fellow Dr David Caldicott is waiting for a response from SA police on the plan, which he believes would enhance doctors' knowledge of the drugs, and give law enforcers greater power to punish manufacturers.

Revealing details of his plan to The Advertiser yesterday, Dr Caldicott said a statewide system of anonymous drug hand-overs would be a major boost for the medical and legal fraternities.

"You can get a very good profile of a pill in this day and age, and by doing this, we will see how people are getting hurt as well providing a legal benefit," he said.

"The persons responsible for manufacturing illegal substances should be held legally responsible and, if they cause a death, they should be charged with murder. If people are ill and they come to hospital with a friend, they should be able to submit the pills they believe responsible, and be given amnesty."

Police fear people within "some sections of the community" are becoming increasingly complacent about the use of illicit drugs.

Superintendent Neil Smith said police were "considering" the plan.

The Drug and Organised Crime Investigation Branch has dismantled 36 clandestine drug laboratories, mainly in the metropolitan area, in the current financial year.

In the same period, the branch has seized 17,321 ecstasy tablets in eight separate incidents, including 16,000 tablets in one haul.

Dr Caldicott said: "It is very important that we find out what is going out on the street.

"A lot of people think that if they turn up at hospital (with a bad reaction to a pill) that they are at risk of prosecution . . . but you can't prosecute the victims," Dr Caldicott said.

Detective Inspector Peter Giles said complacency was "sometimes unthinkingly reinforced by referring to illegal drugs as recreational drugs".

Last week, mother-of-two Meeghan Turra, 27, died after a bad reaction to ecstasy in what her family described as a "a shocking and tragic misjudgment". Her husband, Greg, has pleaded with those thinking about taking pills to consider their loved ones.

Mrs Turra left behind two sons, Noah, 3, and Harry, six months.

"They have to think of their parents, friends, kids and whoever else is important to them before doing it, because what happens if something goes wrong?" Mr Turra, 26, said.

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From The Advertiser

Go David Caldicott - Brilliant!!


I feel for this woman's kids. The poor kids are gunna grow up knowing their mum died from drugs - actually in most cases a good thing.

I find that the use of E is considered a normal thing to do on the weekend these days for alot of people. Christ the other night on the bus i saw these two kids 'eeming' off their heads... Made me sick to one end, then i thought about what i was doing at 16, wasn't much different.

Also, i had a cab driver, would've been about 54 tell me that its cool to go out on the weekends, eat a pill or two, get pissed and stuff... i spun out. this guy was 50.

We need some non scare tactic truth about these drugs and their dangers and their positives.

I for one love e... :D

Condolence to this woman's family and friends.

How hard would it be to produce a pamplet about how to use MDMA safely? Is that illegal? Hand them out of raves and the alike, get to the population at a certain point to explain how to use safely.

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This is what Ravesafe have always done. The problem is they have limited funding and can't be everywhere at once.

I've always wondered but do agencies like Ravesafe and Enlighten have an obligation in that if they tested a drug, say with an Ion Scanner, and it came up only containing MDMA and the user took it under the belief it was safe and then it was discovered the drug had something else in it, that killed the user, would the agencies be liable for civil (or even criminal) damages?

(sorry for the long sentence)

I don't think enlighten would ever offer the conclusion that any drug tested is safe. I imagine they would only ever reveal which substances the pill did test positve to and offer advice as to which substances are less likely to have harmful effects.

I'm sure JB, Mac or Phase Dancer will have a better answer for you though.

This is the Dancesafe sign. Ours is pretty similar but I can't find it right now.

it came up only containing MDMA and the user took it under the belief it was safe

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If they believe that MDMA is "safe" they would not be getting that impression from us. No drug is safe. People die from taking MDMA and MDMA only. It happens. People also die from taking paracetemol. The honus of responsibility is with the user, and they need to make that decision with the best information available.

Over the past couple of days I've been corresponding with Greg, husband of Meeghan, the much loved wife and mother who died after taking MDMA earlier this year. Greg agreed it would be a good idea to clear up a few things not explained all that well in this thread and to drive home the point that for some people even a small amount of MDMA has potential to result in a fatal outcome.

I must also say that my suggestion to test for allergies to MDMA (further up the page) would have made no difference in this case.

Firstly, while media statements indicated Meeghan had not taken MDMA previously, she had, although from what Greg indicated, it was some years before this incident. She- like many - had simply grown out of it. On that Sunday in March, Meeghan was out for the evening when she did something out of the blue; she took MDMA in what was considered by Greg to be a spontaneous decision – maybe in attempt to relive her youth. But she also was cautious in her approach.

Having past experience with the drug, Meeghan was aware of the usual precautions and initially only took 1/2 a tablet. Around an hour or two later it was said she took the second half. Only a single tablet was taken in total. As Meeghan was concerned about the possible dangers of MDMA, she made sure she drank water. However, it would appear she drank too much water. It was this water that likely resulted in Meeghan having a brain haemorrhage caused by a burst aneurism, itself likely triggered by fluid buildup in the brain (hyponatremia leading to edema). As Greg indicated, it was a sad irony that her efforts to prevent harm had actually caused it.


A few years ago on this board and elsewhere, edema and hyponatremia were commonly discussed topics. Safer levels of water were frequently stated. Today, that message hardly seems to get a mention. RaveSafe and other outreach groups still convey the importance of not drinking too much water, but perhaps it's time to again re-emphasise this.

If MDMA is taken, recommended levels are:

500-600mL per 1 hour if active (dancing etc)

~ 250mL per 1 hour if not active (sitting etc)


It's also important to remind that individual make-up - pre-disposition or underlying conditions, susceptibility etc - may make a person more prone to being affected by the actions of the drug. MDMA can place great strain on the heart and cardiovascular system in some individuals. I have mentioned in the past of an older friend who died of a heart attack after taking a single MDMA tablet.

Some may argue that such occurrences could happen anytime, anywhere, and that underlying conditions could be triggered by any one of many situations. A person I know suffered a stroke and she was a speed user, but its impossible to tell if that caused the stroke. She was susceptible as she already had a small aneurism, something that had been there since birth the experts said. However, in Meeghans case, there would seem to be little doubt that in her attempt to nullify the dehydrating effects of MDMA, excess water consumption actually contributed to her death. As Greg has said, her death may have been one in a billion - but it happened. The potential is therefore always there, even if you’ve previously taken MDMA and had no problems.

MDMA may be less dangerous for most people, given that mortality figures are low when compared to the number of tablets consumed in Australia, [currently estimated to be around 100,000/ week (G. Fowler, QADREC)]. But, if you happen to be susceptible, the consequences could well be severe, affecting not only you, but also the lives of friends and loved ones.

With the silly season soon to be upon us, it's time we all started discussing these issues again. As JB has indicated, the most important part of the Enlighten and DanceSafe message is this:

No drug is completely safe even if it's pure

I just hope that everyone that reads this thread, is able to remember that whilst nobody is saying you cant get that tingling feeling of excitement and anticipation when you place a pill in your mouth, you shouldn't let it overtake that nagging feeling that ask you do I really know what's in this pill?

Some of the trip reports detail such astronomical numbers of pills being taken on single nights, that I can't help but wonder if there are users that see double-dropping as no big deal anymore. Hell, why don't we just triple or quadruple drop and guarantee ourselves total obliteration?

Well said SpellmanT7, it amazes me at the amount of people that take pills regularly but have no understanding of the drugs that could be in them or the precautions that should be taken when using them.
I personally wanted to find out as much about the drug before trying it.

Thanks for the info re. water intake Phase_dancer. I remember when I started back in 2000 that this information was a common belief within the scene, and that most people I spoke to were very well educated about such safety measures.

These days I know that people often get pissed while using MDMA and it doesn't even occur to them to drink water while using, very scary stuff...