Drugs abuse 'hits home'

Mr Savage, who recently became involved in a new campaign against drug and alcohol abuse, said:

"It must be very distressing for parents to see the devastating effects of these drugs on their children.

"The cheapness and availability of drugs to young people is very worrying, particularly given the added danger of drug contamination. Clearly more needs to be done to make young people recognise the grave dangers of drug use.

"We also need to send a powerful message to those responsible for the drugs trade on our streets that we will not stand for their willingness to destroy the lives of our young people and wreak havoc on our community.

"Drug use cannot become an accepted part of the youth experience and must be stamped out."