Bollywood film worker and partner 'may have mistaken killer drug for sleeping pills' as urgent warning issued over 'highly dangerous synthetic opioid' spreading across London
The couple named locally as Gagan Brar, 28, and Kamaldeep Kaur, 20, were found unconscious in their first-floor flat in Southall, west London, last Monday.
It is believed they accidentally overdosed on super-strong opioids following a night out with their flatmates over the spring bank holiday weekend.
Yesterday, an urgent warning about a highly dangerous synthetic opioid that has been seen across the capital was issued by the London Ambulance Service.
Several nightclubs across London, including the Ministry of Sound, have also warned customers about dangerous pills in circulation.
While it has not yet been confirmed what exactly Mr Brar and Ms Kaur took, it is feared to be nitazenes - a synthetic opioid that can be hundreds of times stronger than heroin.
The blue-green tablets marked '80' have been sold across London and have also been mismarketed as other drugs such as oxycodone - a highly-addictive prescription painkiller.
Pictures of the pills Mr Brar and Ms Kaur are thought to have took show they have the number 80 written on one side, with two letters, possibly OP, on the other.
One theory being considered is that the pair thought they were taking 'oxys' or sleeping pills, The Times has reported.
Picture shows pills that were seized by police following the two deaths
Mr Brar, 28, originally from India, was a driver for celebrities in the Bollywood film industry who visited London.
Ms Kaur, 20, had just left university and worked in the hospitality industry.
A father-of-three and neighbour to the couple told Metro: 'To me they were a clean-cut, hardworking couple who left early in the morning and were ambitious.
'They were a pleasure to be around.
'It's a total shock – if something like this can happen to them it can happen to anyone. They were the perfect couple just enjoying life.'
He added: 'It was horrific on the day they were found. I think they had been out with the flatmates the night before.
'They wondered why the couple had it got up the next day originally thinking they were just having a lay in. Then one went in their bedroom and found them.
'The flatmates were in total shock. Loads of police ambulances came. One of the flatmates was vomiting, it was just terrible.'
Another neighbour added: 'The guy drove Bollywood celebrities around and was on the crew, he had a bright future ahead of him. His partner was a beautiful, hard-working person.
'We used to meet up with them in the garden. We watched some of the cricket World Cup together. They were great company.'
A London Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: 'In recent days, we have been informed that a highly dangerous synthetic opioid has been seen across London.
'We have issued additional guidance to our control room staff to be aware of any emergency calls where the patient's condition may be linked to recreational drugs.
'If you suspect someone has symptoms of a recreational drug overdose, which can include shallow breathing, loss of consciousness, blue or grey lips or fingertips, call 999 immediately.'
The Met Police said in a statement: 'Police continue to make enquiries following the sudden deaths of a 28-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman in Ealing on Monday.
'This is following reports that the individuals allegedly passed away after taking an illicit substance in the form of a green pill.
'No arrests have been made at this time and we're working closely with our partners, including the health service and councils, to issue advice to people in the area.'
Ealing Council have also raised the alarm over the mystery pills circulating.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: 'Over the Bank Holiday weekend, two people were found dead in Southall, following attendance at a nightclub in South London on Saturday 24 May.
'They are thought to have consumed green pills with an '80' on one face and possibly an 'OP' on the other.
'Please remember, there is no way of knowing what is in any pill or drug that is bought illegally, or how your body will react.
'If you, or anyone you are with, starts to feel unwell after taking any pill or drug, go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department or call 999.'
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