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Helen is supporting local Police recommendations to make mephedrone illegal, and is optimistic that the drug may soon be banned.
Helen recently met with Neighbourhood Police teams in Barnard Castle and having heard their serious concerns about the recent increase in mephedrone use by local teenagers, wrote to the Home Office to call for the drug to be banned.
The Drug Advisory Council – which makes recommendations to the Home Secretary about drug classification – will shortly publish its assessment on the dangers of various ‘legal highs’ including mephedrone, and Parliament will then have the opportunity to consider their report.
Helen said:
“I was really shocked by the news that five teenagers in Cockfield had recently been hospitalised after taking mephedrone, and I know the local Police are also very concerned about the impact this dangerous drug is having on our community.
It is quite clear that legal status does make a difference, and that as long as this drug remains legal young people are more likely to use it and the Police are less able to tackle the problem.
I think its really important that this drug becomes illegal as soon as possible, and I am optimistic that we will have an announcement on it before Easter”.
Inspector Kevin Tuck of Teesdale police added:
“We met with Mrs Goodman last week to express our concerns and to gain her support in trying to have this substance controlled as soon as possible.
“She recognises the real harm mephedrone poses to users and communities within the Bishop Auckland Constituency and has acted quickly to raise the issue with the Home Office.
We are grateful for this quick intervention and understanding. Although Teesdale was one of the first hot spots in the UK this is now a national issue with numerous reported incidents and problems the length of the country.
“Teesdale Police want to keep this issue in the public domain to help educate potential users, parents, teachers and other professionals in an effort to reduce harm”.
