Britain 'is global hub for drugs'

Counter-narcotics chiefs warned that more than 200 psychoactive substances were being sold by internet retailers as "legal highs" - even though some are banned in parts of Europe - and half the online shops were in Britain.

In their report, the EU experts also said Britain had nearly 400,000 "problem drug users" and more than 1,400 people who had contracted HIV through injecting narcotics.

Among the substances found on sale on the internet are synthetic "party pills" containing the stimulant BZP, which was originally a worming treatment for animals.

The drug - chemical name 1-benzylpiperazine - has been marketed as a safe alternative to amphetamines and ecstasy. But products containing it can only be obtained legally with a prescription, and experts say it can cause convulsions.

Other substances on the internet include hallucinogens such as Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds and morning glory seeds.

One study has found that Hawaiian baby woodrose can set off acute psychotic episodes and experts have warned that morning glory can induce miscarriages.

In the annual assessment of drug use by the EU's European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, the centre's chairman Marcel Reimen said: "Those who make their business from the production, trafficking and sale of illicit drugs are creative, determined and ready to exploit any opportunity. Our policies must be equally creative if we are to keep pace."

Britain is also singled out as having a severe problem with cannabis farms, with 1,500 shut by police in London during 2005-06.

The report, many of whose UK figures are from 2006 to ensure an accurate comparison with other EU countries, also said Britain continues to have one of the highest levels of drug use. However, a Home Office report last week, using more recent data, stated that overall drugtaking had fallen.