A bad batch of ecstasy believed responsible for up to 20 overdoses may still be available on the streets, police have warned.
A surge in overdoses near Chapel Street this weekend also prompted at least one nightclub to warn party-goers to avoid the "very dangerous synthetic drugs" making the rounds along the busy strip.
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Ecstasy responsible for Chapel Street overdoses
A bad batch of illicit drugs is believed to have caused 20 hospitalisations along the Melbourne party strip over the weekend. (Video courtesy ABC News 24)
Hospitals were flooded with people from Friday night to Sunday morning after the powerful drugs, believed to be MDMA laced with GHB, were distributed along the precinct.
A 17-year-old boy remains in The Alfred hospital in a serious condition, while police are also examining the death of a 30-year-old man, who died of a suspected drug overdose in Elwood on Friday.
Police now fear the new wave of drugs will remain on the streets for months, leading to even more overdoses over the summer festival season.
"There's a definite chance of there being more," said Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Dave Newman, who is investigating the surge in drug overdoses.
"A batch of drugs like this will take a long time to dissipate, or disappear from the scene."
He urged anyone who may have had a bad drug reaction to seek medical help and come forward as soon as possible.
"Unfortunately, with the nature of this drug, you don't know what you're taking. And at the moment, there's a heightened risk.
"Everyone should just be vigilant. If you need help, certainly contact emergency services straight away. Every minute counts."
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Police are awaiting forensic testing to determine why so many drug users fell ill: whether it was due to the drug itself, its potency, or what it was cut with.
The latest research from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre found a 6 per cent increase in ecstasy use in 2016 over the previous year, with 93 per cent of users reporting it to be either easy or very easy to obtain.
The overdoses in Melbourne have so far been linked to up to 10 nightclubs in the Chapel Street area, though police declined to name any of the venues.
Prahran nightclub Revolver Upstairs, however, warned patrons of the incidents over the weekend, telling its Facebook followers that it would do everything it could to ensure patrons remained safe.
"Do not risk your life with these drugs," the club's post stated.
Police were alerted to the problem this weekend when a woman overdosed in a nightclub and her friend pointed out a man to club management, who then called police.
A 30-year-old man was arrested early on Sunday and was later charged with trafficking MDMA, possessing MDMA and possessing the proceeds of crime.
He will appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday.