Police investigating the ecstasy-related deaths of two women

The police are investigating the deaths of two women after allegedly taking MDMA, a spokesperson has confirmed. 

The deaths of Sandra Zamudio and Chrystal Mateiasevici are also the subject of magisterial inquiries, the police confirmed to Times of Malta. 

Lovin Malta first reported that Zamudio, who is from Colombia, was hospitalised after ingesting a substance and subsequently died in hospital. It also reported how last week, 32-year-old Mateiasevici, who is from Melbourne, Australia, was given medical assistance at a party but died at Mater Dei Hospital. 

Sources close to the investigation told Times of Malta that traces of MDMA (ecstasy) had been found in both women. 

While not ruling out that the substances they ingested were tampered with, initial evidence suggested that the women may have overdosed on ecstasy, the sources said. 

In the case of Zamudio, the police are also looking into whether she ingested the substance voluntarily or her drink was spiked. 

“MDMA is more popular with foreigners and tends to be on the rise when there is an influx of tourists,” one source said. 

“During the pandemic, drug traffickers saw a drop in business, so party hubs and big events are an...