Head shops raided in drug probe

The investigation follows several months of intelligence gathering and monitoring by the National Drugs Unit. Gardaí seized items on sale at the shops, whose products include the sale of legal “party pills” that have similar effects to certain illegal drugs.

Superintendent Barry O’Brien with the National Drugs Unit explained: “The investigation involved a number of outlets around the country and us gathering evidence around their activities.” Raids took place in head shops in Dublin, Galway, Cork, Athlone, Portlaoise and Drogheda among places. The operation was described as “fairly significant” by gardaí.

Controlled drugs can include the likes of illegal substances such as ecstasy or cannabis.

However, the term can also include prescription products that are regulated.

The Misuse of Drugs Act prohibits the sale of controlled drugs for non-medical purposes.

A focus of concern for parents, according to politicians, has been the use of Benzylpiperazine or BZP by young people. The product — which the EU found in March this year should be made a controlled substance — has replaced ecstasy for many young users because of its similar effects, according to reports. A Galway senator yesterday highlighted the danger of “legal highs” for teenagers.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames raised concern after two young people needed psychiatric treatment after taking herbal ecstasy.

“Parents, young people and addiction counsellors have all recently brought to my attention the dangers and wide availability of herbal ecstasy, commonly known as the ‘party pill’, which has recently been the cause of two young people receiving psychiatric treatment in Galway.”

The Fine Gael politician called on Health Minister Mary Harney to bring emergency legislation before the Dáil to deal with the proliferation of herbal ecstasy across the country.

“This drug is being dangerously and falsely promoted under the banner of a ‘natural high’ when the reality is that two youngsters are currently being given psychiatric treatment as a result of this substance. The mental effects brought on by the drug are extremely worrying...,” said Ms Eames.

Ms Harney’s department last night said it reviewed any evidence that substances were causing significant harm to public health.

Ms Harney was awaiting legal advice on the drafting of the legislation necessary to introduce control measures here for herbal ecstasy, but expected to have it in place by next March, according to an EU timeframe recommendation. 

Source: Irish Examiner: 07/11/2008