A man remained in a critical condition after a group of students fell ill when they took an illegal hallucinogenic drug bought on the internet, police said on Saturday.
The emergency services were called to a terraced house in Ripon Gardens, Jesmond, Newcastle, at 3am yesterday after people reportedly took the substance 2CB.
Five people who were treated at the Royal Victoria Infirmary have now been discharged but a sixth remained critically ill, Northumbria Police said. They were believed to be aged 19-22 and some were from Newcastle University.
Officers have arrested a third man on suspicion of supplying the drug. The 20-year-old remained in police custody.
Last night the force said two 23-year-olds had been arrested and bailed pending further inquiries.
A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "Enquiries to establish exactly what happened continue, with officers warning people about the dangers of taking any illegal drugs - especially those bought over the internet."
Newcastle University has circulated a warning about 2CB via an email to students.
It often comes in purple capsules, is related to ecstasy and is also known as Bromo, Nexus, CB, Performax, Spectrum, Venus, Erox and Cloud Nine.
The Class A substance can also be sold as a white powder or as small pills, and is said to be particularly dangerous when mixed with other drugs or alcohol.
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