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28/03/2012
Legal High 'Mexxy' Banned Under New Government Powers
A so called legal high, known as ‘Mexxy’, will be the first drug to be banned under new government powers, the Home Office has said.
Methoxetamine, used as an alternative to ketamine, will be made illegal for up to 12 months while the government's drugs advisers decide whether it should be permanently controlled.
The move follows concerns that two people whose bodies were found in Leicestershire in February may have taken some form of the drug after buying it over the internet.
The Home Office has said that anyone caught making, supplying or importing the drug will face up to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
"Making this drug illegal sends a clear message to users and those making and supplying it that we are stepping up our fight against substances which are dangerous and ruin the lives of victims and their families,” crime prevention minister Lord Henley said.
"But making drugs illegal is only part of the solution. It is important for users of these harmful substances to understand that just because they are described as legal highs, it does not mean they are safe or should be seen as a safer alternative to illegal substances."
Professor Les Iversen, chairman of the ACMD, said: "The evidence shows that the use of methoxetamine can cause harm to users.
"Many of the health effects of methoxetamine are similar to those of ketamine, which is already controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
"Users have also reported experiencing other serious effects including agitation, cardiovascular conditions and hypertension."
Police warned people not to take mexxy, which was advertised and sold as a safe alternative to the class C drug ketamine, after the bodies of a 59-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man were found in Leicester and Melton Mowbray on February 11 and 12 respectively.
Methoxetamine, used as an alternative to ketamine, will be made illegal for up to 12 months while the government's drugs advisers decide whether it should be permanently controlled.
The move follows concerns that two people whose bodies were found in Leicestershire in February may have taken some form of the drug after buying it over the internet.
The Home Office has said that anyone caught making, supplying or importing the drug will face up to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
"Making this drug illegal sends a clear message to users and those making and supplying it that we are stepping up our fight against substances which are dangerous and ruin the lives of victims and their families,” crime prevention minister Lord Henley said.
"But making drugs illegal is only part of the solution. It is important for users of these harmful substances to understand that just because they are described as legal highs, it does not mean they are safe or should be seen as a safer alternative to illegal substances."
Professor Les Iversen, chairman of the ACMD, said: "The evidence shows that the use of methoxetamine can cause harm to users.
"Many of the health effects of methoxetamine are similar to those of ketamine, which is already controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
"Users have also reported experiencing other serious effects including agitation, cardiovascular conditions and hypertension."
Police warned people not to take mexxy, which was advertised and sold as a safe alternative to the class C drug ketamine, after the bodies of a 59-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man were found in Leicester and Melton Mowbray on February 11 and 12 respectively.
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Man, 26, Dies At Glastonbury
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Man, 26, Dies At Glastonbury
A man has died at this year's Glastonbury festival, it has been confirmed. The 26-year-old, from Reading in Berkshire, is understood to have died after taking the illegal drug Ketamine. Police have said he suffered an "adverse reaction" to the substance, and it is not thought the batch of drugs was contaminated.
23 July 2008
Drug Abuse Accounts For 'A Third Of Death', Says Report
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Drug Abuse Accounts For 'A Third Of Death', Says Report
Drug abuse accounts for a third of the deaths behind Scotland's higher mortality rate, according to a study published on bmj.com. Death rates in Scotland are higher than in England and Wales and the difference between the nations is increasing. Traditionally this has been blamed on the higher levels of deprivation in Scotland.
27 February 2008
Government Announces New Drugs Strategy
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09 July 2003
Rise in crack users sent for treatment
More crack users are being targeted in custody and referred to drug treatment services, a new report published by the Home Office claims. The 'Arrest Referral' report shows that between October 2001 and September 2002, 12,014 crack users were interviewed, and of those 8,656 were referred to specialist drug treatment services - 18.
Rise in crack users sent for treatment
More crack users are being targeted in custody and referred to drug treatment services, a new report published by the Home Office claims. The 'Arrest Referral' report shows that between October 2001 and September 2002, 12,014 crack users were interviewed, and of those 8,656 were referred to specialist drug treatment services - 18.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
