A tragedy unfolded during a “chemsex” evening in Tourcoing, leading to the death of a young man and the coma of another participant. The authorities are warning of the dangers of these practices and an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances of this tragedy…
A tragedy struck the town of Tourcoing on the night of Wednesday to Thursday during a “chemsex” evening, these parties where participants use drugs to stimulate sexual activity. A young man in his twenties lost his life, while another person was left in a coma. The authorities are sounding the alarm about these dangerous practices which are spreading.
A call for help that turns into tragedy
Everything changed around 5:20 a.m. when the emergency services were alerted that one person was in cardio-respiratory arrest and another unconscious in an apartment in Tourcoing. Despite the rapid intervention of medical teams, the first individual, a young man in his twenties, could not be resuscitated. He died at the scene shortly afterwards.
The second participant was rushed to hospital in critical condition. He is currently in a coma and his life prognosis is in jeopardy. A third individual, the tenant of the apartment where the tragedy unfolded, escaped with minor injuries but has been taken into custody as part of the investigation.
Synthetic drugs involved
According to a source close to the investigation, substances of the type GHB et 3-MMCsynthetic drugs with devastating effects, were found in the apartment. GHB, nicknamed “the rapist drug,” is a powerful sedative that can quickly lead to unconsciousness in high doses. 3-MMC is a psychostimulant drug from the cathinone family, causing euphoria, disinhibition but also anxiety, confusion and risk of overdose.
These drugs have unfortunately become the substances of choice in the chemsex scene, where participants seek to increase sensations and push the limits. But at what cost? The tragedies are multiplying, as evidenced by the terrible results of this evening in Tourcoing.
Chemsex, a deadly practice
Chemsex, a contraction of “chemical sex”, refers to the taking of synthetic drugs in a sexual context. This practice first spread in the gay community before reaching a wider audience. Participants seek disinhibition, stimulation of desire, multiplication of relationships and extreme experiences.
“Chemsex is extremely dangerous and addictive. The drugs used cause a loss of control and pose fatal risks of overdose and contamination by HIV and other STIs”
explains a doctor specializing in addictions
In addition to the immediate danger to the health and even the lives of participants, chemsex has devastating long-term consequences: addiction, social isolation, depression, psychiatric disorders, etc. Not to mention the legal risks linked to the use of illegal drugs.
An open investigation, a call for caution
Following the tragedy in Tourcoing, an investigation into manslaughter was opened by the Lille public prosecutor's office. She will have to determine the exact context and responsibilities in this tragedy. The tenant of the apartment, placed in police custody, will be interviewed to understand his role.
Beyond the legal aspect, this event highlights the dangers of chemsex practices. Health authorities and prevention associations are increasing awareness-raising actions, but are struggling to stem the phenomenon:
- Distribution of flyers in festive locations
- Poster campaign and radio spots
- Training of health professionals
- Dedicated listening and support line
But ultimately, it is a real work of awareness that must take place in society. Because behind the quest for sensations and performance, discomfort and suffering are often hidden. Rather than fleeing into the deadly artifice of drugs, it is urgent to renew the dialogue, to recreate connections, to relearn how to love one another and to live simply.
Let's hope that the Tourcoing tragedy serves as a wake-up call. That it does not remain yet another sordid anecdote but triggers real societal reflection on the meaning of existence. Because if it is too late for the victims of this crazy night, there is still time to act to prevent others from falling into the hell of chemsex and self-destruction.
