Dangerous drug must be banned – McGimpsey

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has repeated his call for mephedrone to be made illegal.

The Minister has written to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) expressing his concerns around the legal position of the drug and has urged them to take immediate action. As drugs classification is a reserved issue, the Northern Ireland Assembly is unable to take the necessary action to make this drug illegal.

The Minister has also called on the ACMD to consider introducing an additional classification whereby a new substance can be legally controlled while its harms are being assessed.

The Minister said: "I am very concerned about the misuse of mephedrone in Northern Ireland and feel strongly this issue has to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Clearly, this lethal substance is a potential killer and poses a serious threat to our young people. It should be made illegal through classification under the Misuse of Drugs Act as soon as possible.

"That is why I am urging the ACMD to consider their advice on this so-called ‘legal high’ as a matter of urgency."

The Minister said he was hopeful that this drug would be made illegal quickly and said: "As soon as this happens, I will ensure my Department takes every step necessary to introduce the new regulations needed to control this drug in Northern Ireland immediately."

The Minister continued: "I also strongly believe that the UK must go further with drugs classification so that substances such as this can be controlled as quickly as possible.

"Therefore, I believe the Committee should also consider if there are other actions which could be taken to protect the public, particularly young people from these potentially dangerous drugs as they emerge. For instance could there be an additional classification through which new drugs could be legally controlled while their harms are being assessed."

The Minister concluded: “Making these drugs illegal will reinforce the message that they not safe. But we must also continue to inform and educate young people and parents about the dangers of drugs.

"I have therefore asked my officials to work with health professionals, education and the Northern Ireland Office to look at what further action we need to take in this area.

Notes to editors:

1. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) is responsible for advising the UK Government on the measures to be taken with respect to drugs which are being, or appear to them are likely to be, misused and which are causing or may cause a social problem.
2. Mephedrone is currently it is not illegal to possess, but it is against the law to supply or advertise it for human consumption. Mephedrone can cause anxiety and paranoia (feelings of being persecuted), heart palpitations and fits or seizures. If snorted, it can lead to severe nosebleeds. Like many substances regular use can lead to the development of a compulsive habit.
3. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.