IT was in the 1990s when we first learned that Ecstasy could bring misery.

The so-called "designer drug" claimed a number of young lives. Tonight we reproduce one of the most shocking, memorable images of that time: Ecstasy victim Leah Betts on a life support machine shortly before she died.

When the rave scene faded, so did public fear about these little pills. But the death of Adam Lowry from taking Ecstasy is an alarming reminder that the danger is still out there.

For many young people, designer drugs are as normal a part of the weekend as a few pints of beer. One estimate suggests that 700,000 clubbers are popping pills each week.

They do so without a single idea of what they are swallowing. Our disturbing news analysis tonight reveals that Ecstasy production is an underground cottage industry.

Anyone with a back room, a little know-how and no conscience can produce convincing looking tablets from whatever ingredients they have to hand.

Adam's inquest revealed that the pills that killed him were sold at "an outlet" in the city centre. The police are determined to track down the supplier.

But what can parents do about this ongoing menace?

We would urge them to sit down with their older children and discuss tonight's reports. If this can raise awareness among young people about the serious health risks of Ecstasy, then Adam's tragic death would not be in vain.

Updated: 10:32 Thursday, October 07, 2004