New warning over mephedrone (From York Press)

New warning over mephedrone

10:46am Saturday 3rd July 2010 in

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POLICE have issued a fresh warning about the dangers of drugs following the confirmation that mephedrone was linked to the death of a 24-year-old North Yorkshire woman.

During an inquest at Scarborough County Court, coroner Michael Oakley said the then “legal high” had been a contributing factor in the death of Lois Waters. He recorded a verdict of misadventure, saying a combination of mephedrone, citalopram and diazepam had contributed to the death of Miss Waters, of Norton.

She was found dead at an address in Malton on Monday, March 22, two days after taking mephedrone.

Her death was one of a number of tragedies linked to mephedrone, which was classified as a class-B substance in April 2010 following a campaign by The Press.

Despite its reclassification, there are fears other legal highs making their way onto the market could pose similar dangers to people’s health.

Tim Madgwick, North Yorkshire’s assistant chief constable, said: “This tragic case highlights the very real dangers that drugs pose, particularly those which we know very little about.

“Mephedrone spread so quickly that people were clearly unaware of its dangers and, like all drugs, was causing untold damage to people who thought, because it was legal, it was safe. Drugs are illegal for a reason – they can and do ruin lives, and those of loved ones, too.”

For more information or advice about drugs, visit talktofrank.com The Drugs Action Team also offers support on 01347 825100.