Teenager in hospital after meph drugs rage (From The Northern Echo)

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Teenager in hospital after meph drugs rage

8:42am Thursday 8th April 2010 in Mephedrone: The Dangers Photograph of the Author By Rachel Wearmouth

A TEENAGER who took the legal high mephedrone was treated in hospital after he cut himself on broken glass while under its influence.

Police have issued a further warning of the dangers of the drug, which is sold legally as plant food, following two incidents in Teesdale, County Durham.

A 19-year-old from the village of Cockfield was arrested on Monday after reports that two house windows had been smashed.

Officers say the teenager lost control after he took the drug, also known as meph and Mcat, and required hospital treatment for cuts.

Sergeant Dave Williamson, of Barnard Castle police, said mephedrone was still widespread.

He said: “It is highly addictive. We have had numerous cases where people, having taken the drug, become paranoid and depressed.

“As a result of that, it actually causes them sometimes to want to self-harm.

“This is the sort of effect it has and they will do anything to get more. This particular youth has become paranoid and depressed and reacted quite badly.”

In a separate incident, also in Cockfield, an 18-year-old who had taken mephedrone was cautioned after a fight with his parents.

In the past 12 months, the use of mephedrone has risen in popularity in Teesdale, Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe and Darlington.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson said the substance will be outlawed when it is upgraded to a Class B drug after a report on its effects was published last month.

The death of 24-year-old Lois Waters, from Norton, near Malton, North Yorkshire, last month is thought to be linked to the drug.

Sgt Williamson said anyone using mephedrone would be arrested for possession of a controlled drug.

He said: “Like lots of drugs, it is having a harmful effect on communities, on individuals and on families.”

To report drugs offences, call police on 0345-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555- 111.

■ The Northern Echo is campaigning to educate people about the dangers of mephedrone.

Comments(5)

JS2 says...
4:26pm Thu 8 Apr 10

It's a pity these so called drug experts who say the drug shouldn't be criminalised, weren't there to see this. I bet if it was their son or daughter (and the others miguided people who agree with these so called experts) they would soon change their minds if they were there to see the above happening.