Teenager jailed over supply of 'Superman' drugs

Adam Lubecki admitted supplying the class A drugs - which were triangular, red and carried the Superman 'S' logo - that led to the deaths in Ipswich of 23-year-old Justas Ropas on Christmas Eve last year and Gediminas Kulokas, 24, on New Year's Eve.

Factory worker Daniel Bagnall, from Telford, was also found dead on New Year's Day at his home in Ketley after taking one of the red pills.

But Lubecki has not been charged with being the supplier in the 27-year-old's case, even though police believe the pill Mr Bagnall took was from the same faulty batch which caused the deaths of the two Suffolk men.

The deaths prompted Suffolk Police to issue a warning over the pills, saying they contained PMMA, a stronger and more dangerous active ingredient than those usually found in ecstasy.

Other police forces across the country echoed this alert.

Lubecki, from Ipswich, admitted supplying class A controlled drugs and possession with intent to supply a class B drug.

Today the 19-year-old was sentenced to five years and four months in prison at Ipswich Crown Court, Suffolk Police said.

Chief Superintendent Jon Brighton, of Suffolk Police, said: "Lubecki's sentencing reflects the seriousness with which drug offences are taken.

"Our message is clear - the supply of dangerous drugs will not be tolerated and every effort will be taken to bring those responsible to justice.

"The tragic deaths of two men in Ipswich led to an extensive police operation, not only to locate anyone supplying the drugs but also to ensure that communities were aware of the dangers and risks associated with taking them.

"We will continue to work with our partners to combat drug dealing in Ipswich and to help those individuals who wish to stop their substance misuse.

"Cases like this show the stark dangers of taking drugs and the simple fact that any illegal drug can result in death.

"We would encourage anyone who takes drugs to seek help from one of the many support agencies available in Ipswich or Suffolk-wide."

Another man, John Hocking, 21, from Woodbridge, also died on New Year's Day after apparently taking the drug.

More than 400 of the pills were found in a public place on January 4. Inquests are due to be held at a later date.

Paul Scothern, a Crown Prosecution Service lawyer, said: "Consideration was given as to whether any additional charges should be brought against Mr Lubecki in relation to the death of the person to whom he supplied the relevant drugs.

"However, the current law is clear: in circumstances where a person supplies drugs or materials to another, who then freely and voluntarily administers that drug to themselves in consequence of which they die, it is not appropriate to charge the person supplying with an offence of unlawful act manslaughter.

"The supply of these drugs has had very sad and tragic consequences for these two young men and their families and is a warning of the dangers that people face when they take drugs."