Tragedy at The Arches is the second in seven years

If a post mortem reveals that teenager, Regane MacColl who died on Sunday after partying at Glasgow’s Arches nightclub on Saturday night, died from the effects of drugs her death would be the second drug-related death in seven years connected to the club. 
Police say her death could be linked to red ecstasy-style “mortal kombat” tablets, which have a red dragon logo stamped on them. It is thought there could be a common link between Regane’s death and four other people in the West of Scotland admitted to hospital the same weekend, when they became ill after taking drugs.
Following Regane’s death Police Scotland have confirmed it will make a formal representation to Glasgow City Council over the events at the weekend.
A police spokesman said, “Police Scotland officers are currently working alongside the management of The Arches to review all aspects of current licensing and policies and a report will be submitted to Glasgow City Licensing Board for its consideration.”
The licensing board will note any police report and consider the measures the Arches have in place to deal with drug abuse or under-age patronage before deciding what, if any, action to take.? If the post mortem shows that Regane’s death was drug related she would be the second drug victim in seven years to die after a night out at The Arches. In 2007, Russell Johnstone, 19, collapsed at the nightclub, and died a few days later. Russell did not take the drugs in the Arches, but collapsed due to their effects while inside the club and was taken to hospital where he died two days later.
Regane who at 17 was under age, became ill while inside the Arches nightclub and was rushed to the Royal Infirmary where she died in the early hours of Sunday morning.
These are not the only drug related incidents that have occurred at the Arches, despite the club having a zero tolerance policy towards drugs. In November 2012 four clubbers were rushed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary by ambulance from the nightclub after taking drugs.
The Arches, which opened in 1991 is a not-for-profit venue, and is considered to be one of Scotland’s leading arts venues. The Arches said it was helping police with enquiries. In a statement it said, “The Arches are deeply saddened by events that took place in the early hours of Sunday. Our sincere condolences go to the young woman’s family.”
Supt Alan Cunningham, of Police Scotland, has dismissed suggestions that a rogue batch of drugs could be to blame and said there were safety issues with all illegal drugs. He said, “The reality is that no illicit drugs are safe, they are inherently unsafe.”