‘If you take these tablets, you are going to die,’ warns mother whose daughter (25) died after consuming counterfeit pills

Karley Linnane (25) from Kilrush, Co Clare, was pronounced dead last Friday after taking the tablets.

It is understood another death in Clare in recent days is linked with the drugs, while there have been overdoses reported in the mid-west and other parts of the country.

Ms Linnane’s mother, Joann Casey, says the drugs are in circulation and are extremely dangerous.

She said: “I understand people who are in addiction might think they can take certain substances and get away with it, but with these tablets they might as well write ‘killer’ on them. They are killing.

“There’s no way out of it – if you take these tablets, you are going to die. There’s no ifs, buts or ands; you are going to die. You can’t challenge them; they’re a ­killer. If you take them, you’re going to die.”

Benzodiazepines are a type of sedative medication. However, the HSE’s National Drug Treatment Centre has found that nitazene – a potent form of synthetic opioid – is in the counterfeit benzodiazepine tablets.

The centre has urged people to be extremely cautious.

It stated: “Analysis by the emerging trends laboratory at the HSE National Drug Treatment Centre has confirmed nitazene in yellow, round counterfeit benzodiazepine tablets associated with these overdoses.

“The HSE advises that there is extra risk at this time and strongly recommends people not to take these tablets.”

Ms Casey recalled the terrible moment last Thursday night when she realised her daughter was dying.

She said: “Karley had previously been in rehab. She was out about eight weeks and she was doing really well.

“I got a phone call at about 10.15pm that she wasn’t waking up and her lips were blue. I went to the house, went into the room and she was grey. I knew there and then.”

She didn’t know what her daughter had taken at the time, nor had she any awareness of the substance that claimed her life.

“They worked on her in the house for about an hour-and-a-half,” added Ms Casey.

“When we got to the hospital, it was only then that the doctors came out to speak to me and told me about these tablets.

“Five people had been brought in during a 24-hour period. One had already passed away, one was in intensive care, Karley was the third one and the other two weren’t too bad.

“I had no idea about these things that were going around. I only saw the warning afterwards.

“I’m not in that world; I hadn’t a clue about them.”

Recalling the trauma of the night, she said: “I sat there and held my daughter’s hand. It’s the hardest thing for a mother to sit there and feel the life leave your child. I felt the life leave my daughter.

“I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy to have to do that. She was the mother of two children. No mother should have to leave the world like this.”

Ms Casey praised the medical team for their efforts in trying to save her daughter. She wants to make people aware of the perils of the drugs.

“I will have to tell her daughter and son that their mother got sick and had to go to heaven,” she said.

“They will never get a hug again from their mother, never get a kiss goodnight. She herself will miss out on everything. That’s the reality of these drugs.

“We don’t know how many packets are out there, how many dealers have them. I know the guards are doing everything they can do, but the situation with drugs has gone ridiculous.

“It’s in every town and village – everywhere. The guards can only do so much.”

Ms Casey believes dealers are aware of how dangerous their products are.

“They would know. They’d have a fair idea; they’re in that world. From what I’m hearing, this drug came from America or somewhere.

“If people don’t start listening, there’s going to be a lot more bodies. I hope Karley’s death won’t be in vain, that it can save at least one soul.”