Ayrshire teens in hospital after using legal drug

Nov 27 2009 Ayrshire Post (main ed)

TEENAGERS are dicing with death by using a legal alternative to class A drugs.

Several youths have been admitted to hospitals across Ayrshire in recent weeks after taking the powder known as Moonshine.

And experts warned this week that the drug – being sold in adult shops – is not intended for human consumption and could prove lethal.

Accident and emergency chief Dr David Chung said: “Young people need to know that Moonshine is totally unsafe and they are putting their lives at risk.

“Moonshine is a plant food. Please don’t think that just because a substance is legal, it’s safe – as Moonshine is most definitely not.

“It is safe for plants, not for humans.”

Moonshine is sold in capsules and in loose form.

It is thought to contain the chemical mephedrone and has similar effects to some widely available herbal highs and aphrodisiacs.

But within around 15 minutes of taking the drug, users can experience breathlessness and dizziness.

The effect is similar to that experienced with using MDMA or amphetamines. Users can become seriously ill very quickly.

Inspector Kevin Owens from Strathclyde Police said: “A number of local teenagers have been admitted to hospital having taken Moonshine.

“This is a concern to both the police and NHS staff, who are dealing directly with the effects of the drug.

“Should any youths come into possession of Moonshine, I would urge them to hand it in to the police.

“It is not illegal to sell Moonshine, but it is not a substance meant for human consumption. It is usually sold as a plant food or bath salt, but targets those seeking a legal high.

“Like the product GBL/liquid ecstasy, Moonshine is being misused across Ayrshire and could seriously affect the health of users.

“Anyone offered either substance should decline the offer and report the circumstances to their local police.”

Capsules are often contained within a resealable plastic bag which has a cannabis leaf motif on it.

And South Ayrshire’s trading standards boss David Thomson pointed out: “We are looking into the product.

“The sale of Moonshine has rightly been raised as a community safety issue and we will report our findings in due course.”