HYNDBURN Council is calling on the government to make a dangerous new drug illegal after it found its way on to the streets of the borough.
The dangers of Mephedrone, known locally as ‘Bubble’ or ‘Michael,’ were highlighted by the Observer last month after we found that youngsters across Hyndburn were using the drug.
Police have already warned of its potentially lethal drug following the death of a 14-year-old girl in Bristol.
Despite this, it is still legal to possess the substance - but Hyndburn councillors have called for that to change.
Speaking at Tuesday night’s meeting of the council Councillor Malcolm Pritchard said: "Can we write to the government and Lancashire County Council, regarding this drug ‘Bubble’?
"At the present time, it is legal to get it. We should write to the government to say we want it made illegal so we can act sooner rather than later.
"This is rife and and is obviously causing a lot of difficulties."
Council Leader Peter Britcliffe said: "It is the latest craze in drugs among young people and I believe it first came to light in Dundee.
"Needless to say, it is highly dangerous and involves many risks, especially if combined with alcohol.
"Among other things, it can cause diminished inhibitions, excitement, paranoid states, a coma and even death. It’s a nonsense that it is not illegal to possesS it. We should write to the Home Secretary about this to ask if possession of it could be made illegal. We will also write to other authorities to ask if they will support us in our campaign."
It is thought youngsters as young as 16 are buying the drug online online for as little as £7 a gram but are unaware of the 'horrendous side effects' which include depression, paranoia, severe diarrhoea, rashes and fits.
Sergeant Simon Holderness: "We are well aware of this substance and would support any moves made to legislate the substance put control on it."
