Parents learn about 'legal high' threat

DESPITE a blizzard, over 100 parents attended an information on the so-called 'legal high' mephedrone on Tuesday, March 30.

St Michael's school principal, Mr Gerard Adams, described the event, taken by Opportunity Youth, as 'timely' in light of the recent media coverage.

Opportunity Youth advisors educated and informed parents about how mephedrone is consumed, the side effects of the drug, signs to look out for, the law and the importance of being vigilant.

Parents were told mephedrone, which is currently legal, will be graded as a class B drug in around six weeks time - making it an illegal substance.

This means anyone caught in possession of mephedrone will be breaking the law. All in attendance on the night was shocked to learn how readily available the drug is.

Many websites are currently selling mephedrone for around 10 per gram with ‘sales’ currently going on as dealers try to get rid of their stock before legislation to outlaw the drug is put in place.

The Opportunity Youth speakers stressed to parents that there is ‘no such thing as a safe drug’.

Indeed, the side effects of mephedrone are particularly serious and range from paranoia, depression and aggression to skin rashes, appetite loss and weight loss.

Mephedrone has also been linked to the deaths of several young people in the UK.

Mr Adams made it clear to parents that mephedrone has not been discovered in St Michael’s. He said: "Drugs are banned from school premises and any pupil found to be taking drugs will face sanctions but we will offer support from pastoral care and counselling if needed."

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