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26/01/2010
Legislation Tackling 'Legal Highs' Considered
The junior minister with responsibility for drugs strategy has said changes to legislation will be considered in clamping down on so-called "head shop" products.
The stores sell legal drugs mimicking the effects of substances like cannabis and ecstasy.
A statement today from the the Regional Drugs Task Force network said fears were growing that reformed addicts were getting hooked on the substitute products.
John Curran, Minister of State with special responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, told journalists at a conference in Mullingar today that the Government will look at things other than just the misuse of drugs act and will consider consumer protection legislation in the area.
Joining the debate, Fine Gael Community Affairs Spokesperson Michael Ring said Government action on head shops had been in short supply.
"The warning signs about products being sold in head shops have been clear for well over a year. However, nothing has been done since March 2009, when the Health Minister banned the drug, BZP, which was being sold as ‘legal ecstasy’ or ‘party pills’ in head shops.
"Since then head shops have mushroomed all over the country and other drugs have emerged to replace BZP.
"One of these, Mephedrone, has already been banned in Norway, Finland, Denmark and in Sweden, after an 18-year-old there died after taking the drug. If the Health Minister was able to ban BZP she must also now look at Mephedrone," he said.
Mephedrone is a stimulant and amphetamine most commonly sold as a white powder, crystal form or capsules containing the powder. It can also be sold as pills.
(DW/BMcC)
The stores sell legal drugs mimicking the effects of substances like cannabis and ecstasy.
A statement today from the the Regional Drugs Task Force network said fears were growing that reformed addicts were getting hooked on the substitute products.
John Curran, Minister of State with special responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, told journalists at a conference in Mullingar today that the Government will look at things other than just the misuse of drugs act and will consider consumer protection legislation in the area.
Joining the debate, Fine Gael Community Affairs Spokesperson Michael Ring said Government action on head shops had been in short supply.
"The warning signs about products being sold in head shops have been clear for well over a year. However, nothing has been done since March 2009, when the Health Minister banned the drug, BZP, which was being sold as ‘legal ecstasy’ or ‘party pills’ in head shops.
"Since then head shops have mushroomed all over the country and other drugs have emerged to replace BZP.
"One of these, Mephedrone, has already been banned in Norway, Finland, Denmark and in Sweden, after an 18-year-old there died after taking the drug. If the Health Minister was able to ban BZP she must also now look at Mephedrone," he said.
Mephedrone is a stimulant and amphetamine most commonly sold as a white powder, crystal form or capsules containing the powder. It can also be sold as pills.
(DW/BMcC)
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Head Shop Fire Turns Up €500,000
The fire at a Dublin 'head shop' last week has lead to the discovery of €500,000 in cash under the building's floorboards, it has been revealed. Gardaí said today they are treating the fire at the legal drug supplying store as arson. The fire almost completely destroyed the unit and a number of neighbouring outlets last Friday.
Head Shop Fire Turns Up €500,000
The fire at a Dublin 'head shop' last week has lead to the discovery of €500,000 in cash under the building's floorboards, it has been revealed. Gardaí said today they are treating the fire at the legal drug supplying store as arson. The fire almost completely destroyed the unit and a number of neighbouring outlets last Friday.
12 February 2010
Head Shop Fire In Dublin City Centre
A fire has broken out at a shop on Capel Street in Dublin city centre this morning. The fire at the Nirvana Head Shop broke out this morning and the entire street is closed as a result. Several units of Dublin Fire Brigade and members of An Garda Siochána are at the scene. A small number of nearby homes have been evacuated.
Head Shop Fire In Dublin City Centre
A fire has broken out at a shop on Capel Street in Dublin city centre this morning. The fire at the Nirvana Head Shop broke out this morning and the entire street is closed as a result. Several units of Dublin Fire Brigade and members of An Garda Siochána are at the scene. A small number of nearby homes have been evacuated.
04 February 2010
McDaid Says Headshop Ban 'Huge Mistake'
A Fianna Fail TD has broken ranks by claiming the banning of headshops "is not the way forward". Despite a campaign by the Opposition party to ban the shops - which sell artificial highs and recreational drug substitutes - Deputy Jim McDaid said he believed that the country is "on the verge of making a huge mistake" if such shops are banned.
McDaid Says Headshop Ban 'Huge Mistake'
A Fianna Fail TD has broken ranks by claiming the banning of headshops "is not the way forward". Despite a campaign by the Opposition party to ban the shops - which sell artificial highs and recreational drug substitutes - Deputy Jim McDaid said he believed that the country is "on the verge of making a huge mistake" if such shops are banned.
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Govt Must Appoint Dedicated Drugs Minister - Labour
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Ireland WeatherToday:Showers today, occasional north and west of Lough Neagh, but only a few isolated light outbreaks expected for Belfast and county Down where the best of the winter sunshine is expected. West to northwest winds brisk around the coasts. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers focused across northern areas of the Province, with most in the south staying dry, with a frost developing for many here. Northwest winds fresh around the coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
