Race to find ‘super-strong’ Ecstasy cache as single pill kills teenager

A TEENAGER has died after taking a suspected “super-strength” Ecstasy tablet at a party.

Jordan Hallam, 17, from Plean, Stirlingshire, had been at a party with friends in a flat in the Cowane Street area of Stirling on Saturday night when he became unwell.

His mother said his body had “shut down” after he took a pink pill from a dangerous batch of Ecstasy circulating locally, which Central Scotland Police are warning people to avoid. A friend called ambulance services, and he was treated by paramedics in the street before being rushed to Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

He received treatment from hospital staff but died two days later, on Monday night.

Last night, his mother, Jackie Hallam, 43, praised her “party-loving” son for “cramming 70 years into 17 years” of his life.

She said she had spoken to him hours before he became unwell. She said: “I phoned him at ten past six that evening and he was fine – he was just chatting away as usual.

“Then I was called by the police about nine o’clock and told to get to the hospital immediately. Jordan was in the resuscitation room before being taken to intensive care. He was attached to tubes and all the monitors.

“The hospital staff and Jordan tried their best, but it seems his body had just had enough.”

She added: “He was just your typical 17-year-old. He just loved a drink and party. In this day and age, that’s just how young people behave.

“I’d always told him never to take drugs, and he said ‘No, Mum, don’t be stupid’. I feel angry that he took that drug, considering I’d just spoken to him, but young boys just want to have a good time.

“The police said the tablets at the party were really strong. I just hope Jordan’s death acts as a warning to others.”

Police said “inquiries had revealed that his death may be linked” to Ecstasy.

Toxicology tests are still to take place and it is not known yet known whether Jordan had taken alcohol or other drugs.

Detective Inspector Ronnie Isles said: “Whilst the exact cause of death is still being investigated, we are concerned that Ecstasy would appear to have been involved.

“I would reiterate the message to all drug users that taking any type of illegal drug is inherently dangerous. Anyone who has information about drug supply should contact the police immediately and there are many routes for users to receive support.”

On social networking sites, friends paid tribute to Jordan, a former pupil at Bannockburn High School. Alana Gordon wrote: “Rest in peace Jordan Hallam, gone but never forgotten.”

Chloe Stevenson wrote: “Why is death suddenly taking our loved ones, only the best die young! RIP jordan hallam. Its such a shame. Wish drugs were never invented!”

Several others deaths across Scotland this year have been related to a super-strength version of the class-A drug. Strathclyde Police warned in July that Ecstasy tablets six times stronger than normal were being sold in the west of Scotland.