A 19-year-old man from Braintree has died and two others were taken ill after taking a dangerous batch of drugs in Witham.
Police discovered the dead teenager at a flat in Bramble Road at about 2.25am today.
An 18-year-old, also from Braintree and a man aged 21, from Witham, were taken to Broomfield Hospital but recovered after treatment.
All three are believed to have taken a drug thought to be from the LSD family (2CE).
Detectives are warning people that similar drugs may be available.
Detectives believe the drugs are from a crudely-produced batch, which has proved to be fatal.
A forensic post mortem examination will be held later today and toxicology tests will establish how the teenager died.
DCI Anne Cameron said: "We believe that one person has died and two others were taken ill because they have taken a drug that was poorly-produced by criminals who have no regard for the lives of their customers.
"Detectives would like to make the public aware of the danger that there may be other similar drugs in circulation.
"The drug has the physical appearance of a white crystal powder (similar to sugar) and has a hallucinogenic type of effect. It is believed to be known by the name 2CE. The drug can be taken orally or ingested nasally.
"Anyone who may be in possession of this type of drug should stop using it with immediate effect."
Two 19-year-old men from Braintree and a 21-year-old man from Witham have been arrested in connection with the investigation.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact officers at Braintree police station on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Police discovered the dead teenager at a flat in Bramble Road at about 2.25am today.
An 18-year-old, also from Braintree and a man aged 21, from Witham, were taken to Broomfield Hospital but recovered after treatment.
All three are believed to have taken a drug thought to be from the LSD family (2CE).
Detectives are warning people that similar drugs may be available.
Detectives believe the drugs are from a crudely-produced batch, which has proved to be fatal.
A forensic post mortem examination will be held later today and toxicology tests will establish how the teenager died.
DCI Anne Cameron said: "We believe that one person has died and two others were taken ill because they have taken a drug that was poorly-produced by criminals who have no regard for the lives of their customers.
"Detectives would like to make the public aware of the danger that there may be other similar drugs in circulation.
"The drug has the physical appearance of a white crystal powder (similar to sugar) and has a hallucinogenic type of effect. It is believed to be known by the name 2CE. The drug can be taken orally or ingested nasally.
"Anyone who may be in possession of this type of drug should stop using it with immediate effect."
Two 19-year-old men from Braintree and a 21-year-old man from Witham have been arrested in connection with the investigation.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact officers at Braintree police station on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
