College aims to be ahead of game over drugs (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Peter Symonds College takes pre-emptive action over mephedrone

6:39pm Thursday 1st April 2010 in Crime

POLICE and education bosses have acted over concerns about mephedrone and other so-called “legal highs” at Winchester schools.

Sgt John Stribley, of Winchester Police, said that officers had carried out stop checks and spoken at schools after several parents said they were worried about the prevalence of the drugs, which the Government has said it intends to ban.

Mephedrone, which has effects similar to those of ecstasy and amphetamines, has been linked to at least four deaths in the UK.

Peter Symonds has sent a letter to parents, warning of its dangers.

Principal, Neil Hopkins, said: “People get the impression that, because it’s legal, it’s safe. There will always be something new and people will try to sell it until it is banned.

“Our message to students is to look after your own body and don’t take something that is not safe.

“We’re not aware of a problem here, but we don’t want one to develop. We see it as our job to be ahead of the game and stop it before it becomes a problem.

“Far more important is educating young people not to be so damn silly.”

Sgt Stribley said: When something gets classed as a legal high, people are going to think it’s safe and try it. But if you make it illegal that’s going to take it out the hands of the vast majority.”

An ex-user, who contacted the Hampshire Chronicle anonymously, called for it to be a Class-A drug and said its physical and mental effects were worse than cocaine.

“Winchester has a huge drug problem,” he said. “However, things have now started to become very serious. Mephedrone is becoming the most available street drug in the city.

“The worst thing is that anyone, even a 13-year-old, can buy it on the internet. The media has not explained the dangers clearly enough.”

Mike Simpson, chief executive of Winchester YMCA, said: “It’s an issue among young people across the country. Winchester is not immune from that. We’re only a short hop from the Channel Islands, where it’s a big issue.”