New law means sellers of ‘legal highs’ could be behind bars for seven years

Superintendent Alistair Mallen with examples known as
Clockwork Orange, Pandora’s Box, Kronic and Cherry Bomb

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Sellers of ‘legal highs’ could be put behind bars for as long as seven years under new legislation that came into force at midnight last night (25 May).

The legislation follows a spate of casualties, including in Rochdale, that have landed users in hospital in a serious condition as a result of taking the 'highs'.

Nine individuals from Rochdale are currently receiving medical attention.

Superintendent Alistair Mallen addressed journalists at a press conference at Rochdale Police Station, stressing that the drugs are “not legal highs but lethal highs.”

He added: “If there is someone out there who thinks they can continue selling this then they’re going to get a knock on the door, and this time they’ll be arrested for a serious criminal offence. You could end up going to prison for seven years, that’s how serious this is.

“They have been around for some time and the problem has always been how do you deal with them. This new legislation is a large step in getting there.”

Holding up small black packets containing examples known as Clockwork Orange, Pandora’s Box, Kronic and Cherry Bomb, Superintendent Mallen added: “These are some of the examples of some of the stuff that people have been taking; we can see something here in a little bag called Clockwork Orange, it looks pretty insignificant how its marketed, but this is the one that the guy last night had taken. Even if you read the label on the back it is described as a poison, which is exactly what it is.”

When asked what the message is to people who may in possession of legal highs, Superintendent Mallen continued: “Get rid of it. If you want to risk your life by chancing what is in those little packets you’ve got to be crazy.”

Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “The damage of so-called ‘legal highs’ to the people that use them and the wider community is not to be dismissed or ignored. The big issue is getting across to people the dangers of taking these substances and ultimately, saving lives. Tackling those who sell legal highs is also an important step.

“People are putting their lives in danger because of the misconception that these so-called ‘legal highs’ are safe. Spice, for example, is more dangerous than marijuana and can have fatal consequences, and a Rochdale man is currently fighting for his life after taking a ‘legal high’. I’ve been told repeatedly by frontline emergency services workers that legal highs, with the exception of alcohol, are the biggest drivers of demand at the weekend.”

Detective Inspector Lee Hopwood of GMP Rochdale Borough Division said: “Despite issuing warnings about the dangers of these so called ‘legal highs’, these are now the latest people to have been taken ill after taking them in the past few days.

“I cannot stress enough how dangerous they are and even though they might not be illegal, please do not take the risk. They can seriously harm you and in the case of these men they are now in hospital because of it.

“Please think about the effects these substances and do not take them. If you think someone you know might have taken ‘legal highs’ then please get medical attention immediately."

Symptoms include:

• Profuse sweating
• Racing heartbeat
• Extreme muscle tension
• Delirious ranting
• Very high body temperature

Anyone with information about where this drug may have come from is asked to contact police on 101 as soon as possible, or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For help or advice on all drugs including ‘legal highs’ Talk to Frank by calling 0800 777 6600 or visiting www.talktofrank.com