| We revealed last September that the mephedrone-based drug was sweeping across the city, with experts warning the drug could be more addictive than cocaine.
The drug — which is often marketed as plant food — was also responsible for five non-fatal overdoses in Dundee in one weekend last November.
Rising fears of its spread across Scotland prompted Mr FitzPatrick to ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to combat the use of “legal highs”.
Community safety minister Fergus Ewing responded that he had written to the Home Office to express the Scottish Government’s concern over synthetic cathinones, such as bubbles.
He also said he believed that they should fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and would be providing information on the so-called legal highs to the Scottish Government’s Know The Score helpline and on the website.
Mr FitzPatrick also inquired about the licensing powers available in Scotland to reduce the spread of bubbles.
“Anecdotal evidence suggests that bubbles seems to be a growing problem particularly in Dundee, and indeed the name’s first media appearance was in Dundee’s Evening Telegraph,” he added.
“The minister will be aware that the use of mephedrone can cause adverse reactions and in extreme cases the death of users.
“I appreciate that much of the responsibility for regulation lies with Westminster. However, I would be grateful if the Minister could look into how we could use licensing powers available to this Parliament to attempt to reduce the circulation of mephedrone.”
Mr Ewing said the Scottish Government was of the opinion that these “legal highs” should be added to the list of illegal drugs and would work with the Home Office to convince them of this. |
