SOMERSET NEWS: Police warn against the use of legal highs

POLICE have put out a warning across Somerset to be wary of so-called “legal highs” after two people this week are thought to have become ill in the county after taking them.

Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) or ‘Legal Highs’ are often marketed in high street shops and because they are “legal” many people are under the impression that they are safe, but they can be far from it.

A lot of NPS are entirely synthetic, others can be plant based and are legal simply because they are waiting to be classified, but that does not mean they are safe. Often they can be more potent than illegal drugs.

Retailers often get round trades description laws and other legislation by labelling the packaging with ‘not fit for human consumption’ but they are packaged and marketed in such a way it can be misleading.  

Sgt Neil Kimmins said: “We have heard of two people becoming ill in Taunton this week after taking a “legal high”. Unfortunately it’s not a rare occurrence.”

One former legal high, mephedrone also known as Meow Meow or Mcat, became illegal in April 2010, when it became a Class B drug.

Fourteen people were recently sentenced in North Somerset for supplying it across the county - despite several of them developing severe physical and mental health issues as a result of their own use.

Sgt Kimmins added: “Because ‘meph’ used to be legal people thought it was harmless but we believe now there is a link between mephedrone use and suicide and other side effects can include fits, liver problems and brain damage.

If you or someone you know have been sold them and told they are fit for consumption - please contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.

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