Life Skills Education

A DRUG used as a “legal high” could be banned in the UK after five teenagers from one small County Durham village suffered a serious reaction.

Mephedrone is being sold legally on the internet as plant fertiliser but is more commonly known on the streets as “drone”, “bubble” or “meow meow”.

Its chemical formula is one molecule different to ecstasy and as such dealers claim is not a controlled substance. Their sales pitch is that in powder, crystal or liquid form it is a legal ecstasy-style drug.

However, Durham Police are warning that its use can result in severe nose bleeds, nose burns, hallucinations, blood circulation problems, rashes, anxiety and paranoia, fits, delusions and can lead to a heart attack.

Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman acted after five teenagers from the village of Cockfield, in her own constituency, were hospitalised after taking the drug.

She said: “I was really shocked by what happened in Cockfield and I know the local police are also very concerned about the impact this dangerous drug is having on our community.

“It is quite clear that legal status does make a difference, and that as long as this drug remains legal young people are more likely to use it and the police are less able to tackle the problem.

“I think its really important that this drug becomes illegal as soon as possible, and I am optimistic that we will have an announcement on it before Easter.”

She has also met Neighbourhood Police teams in Barnard Castle to hear their “serious concerns” about the recent increase in mephedrone use by local teenagers.

She has written to the Home Office to call for the drug to be banned and the Drug Advisory Council – which makes recommendations to the Home Secretary about drug classification – will shortly publish its assessment on the dangers of various ‘legal highs’ including mephedrone.

Parliament will then have the opportunity to consider their report and it is hoped it may move to make it illegal.

Inspector Kevin Tuck of Teesdale police added: “We met with Mrs Goodman last week to express our concerns and to gain her support in trying to have this substance controlled as soon as possible. She recognises the real harm mephedrone poses to users and communities within the Bishop Auckland constituency and has acted quickly to raise the issue with the Home Office.

“We are grateful for this quick intervention and understanding. Although Teesdale was one of the first hot spots in the UK this is now a national issue with numerous reported incidents and problems the length of the country. Teesdale Police want to keep this issue in the public domain to help educate potential users, parents, teachers and other professionals in an effort to reduce harm.”

In Sweden an 18-year-old died from taking the drug and it has now been banned there, as well as Israel, Norway and Finland.

Article taken from Journal Live

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