Police get powers to tackle mephedrone

From Friday, April 16, various pieces of legislation combined to impose a ban on the import, export, supply, production and possession of mephedrone.

On Monday, March 29, the Home Secretary announced a ban on the import of a number of chemicals, including mephedrone, and any products containing the chemicals.

District Commander for E District Chief Superintendent Alasdair Robinson, said: "This decision underlines our view that this is a dangerous drug and should not be taken or distributed by anyone in our community.

"The new legislation will give local police the powers to deal with the sale and misuse of this substance. The easy availability of the drug was something which understandably caused concern in the community and its new classification will provide reassurance and clarity that action will be taken in this area."

Mephedrone has not been tested for human consumption and therefore all of the effects are not known.

The drug has effects similar to amphetamines (speed) and ecstasy (MDMA). It comes as a white or off-white powder, and is often sold on the internet, either loose in bags or sometimes in capsules.

It is often described as a plant food, research chemical or bath salts and labelled "not for human consumption". Users will not necessarily be aware of what has been used to make it, or indeed what substances have been added to it by third parties.

For health reasons alone members of the public should steer well clear of it. The substance can have a violent effect on the central nervous system, leading to fits.

Users have also experienced mood swings, anxiety and paranoia. The potential risk from the misuse of any substance, legal or otherwise, always far outweighs any benefit you may think you are getting.

Detective Chief Inspector Shaun McKee of Organised Crime Branch has also welcomed the ban: "The effect of various pieces of new legislation will be to send out a clear message to young people that this is a dangerous and harmful drug and should not be taken.

"It will also serve to suppress sales and provide police with enforcement powers that will allow us to target those dealing in this drug. Our enforcement will initially concentrate on those people who sell and traffic this harmful drug rather than on the young people who we may find in possession of it. It is not our intention to criminalise young people."

Chief Superintendent Robinson added: "Local police officers are working very hard with shops which have been selling mephedrone and will robustly enforce the new legislation. We would ask those involved in the sale of mephedrone, or any illegal or harmful substance, to examine their conscience before it is too late. The consequences of selling an illegal substance are severe and, with the classification of mephedrone taking effect, we would urge anyone involved in this locally to stop at once."

He concluded: "It is a fundamental priority for the Police Service to protect people from the potentially serious harm and risk posed by illegal drugs and to ensure anything which could pose a risk to the health of young people is taken off the streets and we will work with residents and our partner agencies to this end. However, we do not stand alone in this issue. We will continue to work with partner agencies and groups to reduce the availability and impact of these destructive substances."

Anyone who has issues with substance addiction or misuse should contact a local support charity or agency for support. Local police will be happy to help with contact numbers and can be contacted on 0845 600 8000.

PSNI Organised Crime Branch would also welcome any information in relation to anyone involved in the supply or distribution of this drug. They can be contacted on 0845 600 8000. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800 555 111.