Drug is 'wolf in sheep's clothing'

Cllr Storey described the drug as a 'wolf in sheep's clothing' saying that it and other so-called "legal highs" presented a significant risk to the lives of unsuspecting young people.

He said: "This is an insidious drug which has travelled into the social currency of vulnerable young people under the cynical guise of being 'legal'. Mephedrone should be banned immediately and those peddling it should be then be exposed to the rigours of the law."

Mr. Storey described the situation as perilous and said that at present the substance was freely available across Northern Ireland and could be bought over the internet.

"This is wholly destructive drug which has had a devastating impact on the lives of young people and their families. It is time it can no longer be traded openly in shops throughout Northern Ireland."

The DUP MLA praised the Assembly Health Committee for raising the profile on mephedrone and said that the harrowing stories of how it had affected users and their families warranted a no-tolerance approach.

He added: "It seems absolutely appropriate to bring swift and immediate action to end this. In north Antrim and in Ballymena in particular we know only too well of the horror that addictive drugs bring. The last thing we need is a laxity in addressing the appropriate response to mephedrone."

Cllr Storey expressed his concern that young people were still unwary of the dangers of 'legal highs' and urged anyone who might be tempted to adopt a recreational attitude to drugs including, mephedrone, to think again.