FORMER TOXICOLOGIST WELCOMES BAN ON MEPHEDRONE

FORMER TOXICOLOGIST WELCOMES BAN ON MEPHEDRONE

BRIAN ADAM MSP SAYS ‘TIME TO END LEGAL HIGHS’

SNP MSP for Aberdeen North, Brian Adam has today welcomed the news that the drug Mephedrone is to be made illegal.

Mr Adam asked Alex Salmond last week at First Minister’s questions if the Scottish Government would support such a move, and the Scottish Government has been in contact with the Home Office to call for a ban.

Mr Adam, a former toxicologist, said:

“There have been reports of a worrying number of deaths related to Mephedrone.

“We must get this drug off our streets as soon as possible.

“I asked the First Minister last week if he would support a move to ban the so called ‘legal high’ at the earliest opportunity.

“I welcomed his response then and I welcome the news from the UK Government today that Mephedrone is indeed to be made illegal.

“I also welcome the proactive approach taken by Scotland’s Police forces in the fight against this drug, particularly in Aberdeen where measures have been taken to ban anyone taking this drug in pubs and clubs.

"It is disappointing that the poor relationship between the UK Government and the Drugs Advisory panel has prevented this decision being made sooner, but it is the right decision and the UK Government must now act quickly to put this ban in place.

“Reacting to these "legal highs" is not enough and we now need to investigate ways in which we can ensure drugs like these never reach the market."