Drug dangers outlined

A public meeting was called last week by Limavady Community Safety Partnership to address concerns from worried parents and young people about the dangerous affects of the drug, made illegal two weeks ago. Representatives from drugs charities across the north west spoke at the meeting, held in the Roe Valley Leisure Centre. Ahead of the meeting Limavady Borough Mayor Cathal O'hOisin said there were worries that the drug may have been stockpiled by suppliers before it was officially made illegal on April 16. The Mayor added that the Limavady based information evening would therefore be very enlightening to parents and young people who can be made aware about the symptoms and dangers of the drug.

The Mayor said: "I attended a similar public meeting held in Park recently and I was pleased to see the large number of people from all over the community who attended."

"Young people as well as parents were there to listen to representatives from the north west's various drug charities touch upon the devastating effect of Mephredrone.

The Mayor added: "This was a Sinn Fein organised event and provided important and vital information to the people in the Park area about the symptoms and effects of the drug. I hope the Limavady meeting will gather a similar response as I feel that many people do not realise the extent of the issues associated with the drug."

Mephredrone exploded into the drugs scene recently because it is easily available, affordable and until April 16 of this year was completely legal. Use of the drug has swept across communities and taken lives.Two weeks ago saw a huge breakthrough in the fight against the killer drug when it was declared illegal throughout the UK. It is hoped this move will significantly slash the popularity of Mephedrone as using it now carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine for possession and up to 14 years in prison for supplying the drug. Speaking prior to the meeting, Brnach, Coordinator of Divert said: " We are working strenuously to raise the awareness of the effects of this drug and have been inundated with calls from concerned parents in relation to their children misusing the substance. This drug is not targeted at any particular subset of our society. We have children as young as 14 using Mephedrone as well as young adults who have been hazardously taking the drug over a number of days without a break."