Menu
15/06/2010
'Psychosis Drug' Sold In Head Shops
A renewed 'crack-down' on head shops has been launched after drug called 'whack' was connected to dozens of users suffering psychotic reactions.
The substance, which mimics the effects of cocaine, is believed to have been responsible for a fresh spate of hospital admissions among users, doctors said.
Medical staff said that people who have taken the drug have suffered increased heart and breathing rates and raised blood pressure.
Yesterday, the Government pledged to eradicate "decisively and comprehensively" a dangerous new legal high.
Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Pat Carey last night insisted the substance 'whack', which mimics the effects of cocaine and has flooded the market, would be dealt with by new legislation.
He said the forthcoming Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Bill will give gardai the power to close head shops.
The National Poisons Information Centre said last night it had received 50 reports of people suffering severe adverse reactions after using 'whack'.
Dr Cathal O'Connor, of the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick, said that since last Thursday 20 patients had been brought to the hospital after taking the substance.
"We have had patients who have become acutely psychotic," he said. "They have developed symptoms that four, five, six, seven days after taking the drug have still not abated."
Less than a month ago, the Government moved to ban a list of specified drugs sold in head shops.
However, manufacturers of the legal highs are now attempting to get around that law by changing the components of the substances in laboratories.
According to gardai, 36 of the 102 shops that were open before the ban are still trading.
(DW/GK)
The substance, which mimics the effects of cocaine, is believed to have been responsible for a fresh spate of hospital admissions among users, doctors said.
Medical staff said that people who have taken the drug have suffered increased heart and breathing rates and raised blood pressure.
Yesterday, the Government pledged to eradicate "decisively and comprehensively" a dangerous new legal high.
Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Pat Carey last night insisted the substance 'whack', which mimics the effects of cocaine and has flooded the market, would be dealt with by new legislation.
He said the forthcoming Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Bill will give gardai the power to close head shops.
The National Poisons Information Centre said last night it had received 50 reports of people suffering severe adverse reactions after using 'whack'.
Dr Cathal O'Connor, of the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick, said that since last Thursday 20 patients had been brought to the hospital after taking the substance.
"We have had patients who have become acutely psychotic," he said. "They have developed symptoms that four, five, six, seven days after taking the drug have still not abated."
Less than a month ago, the Government moved to ban a list of specified drugs sold in head shops.
However, manufacturers of the legal highs are now attempting to get around that law by changing the components of the substances in laboratories.
According to gardai, 36 of the 102 shops that were open before the ban are still trading.
(DW/GK)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 February 2010
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.
04 April 2014
Man Seriously Assaulted In Dublin
A man is recovering in hospital after being viciously assaulted in Coolock, Dublin, on Thursday night. The victim was stabbed in the leg and had an unknown substance thrown in his face. The attack happened at the Northside Shopping Centre at around 8.50pm.
Man Seriously Assaulted In Dublin
A man is recovering in hospital after being viciously assaulted in Coolock, Dublin, on Thursday night. The victim was stabbed in the leg and had an unknown substance thrown in his face. The attack happened at the Northside Shopping Centre at around 8.50pm.
25 February 2010
Head Shops Face Crackdown
Currently available "legal highs" at so called 'head shops' are facing a crackdown from the Government. Drugs Minister John Curran announced he would be taking action yesterday and said a number of psychoactive substances would shortly be added to the controlled list of substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Head Shops Face Crackdown
Currently available "legal highs" at so called 'head shops' are facing a crackdown from the Government. Drugs Minister John Curran announced he would be taking action yesterday and said a number of psychoactive substances would shortly be added to the controlled list of substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
