Flu remedies in 'crystal meth' fear

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Health Minister Caroline Flint said police were increasingly anxious that pseudoephedrine and ephedrine - used in products such as Lemsip - can be extracted "relatively easily" and used to make methylamphetamine.

She warned of "very serious" consequences if methylamphetamine - known as crystal meth or "ice" - secured a hold in the UK.

And she added that "most" of the conditions needed for it to do so were already in place.

Methylamphetamine was reclassified by the Home Office last January as a Class A drug.

A highly-addictive stimulant which affects the central nervous system, it can cause serious physical and psychological harm.

When smoked in its crystalline form it produces effects similar to, but longer-lasting than, "crack cocaine".

Evidence suggests chronic use can lead to psychosis, including paranoia and violent behaviour.

Ms Flint explained in a Commons written answer on Tuesday night: "Although the prevalence of misuse of methylamphetamine is believed to be currently low in the UK, the Association of Chief Police Officers are receiving increasing levels of intelligence about the prevalence of methylamphetamine.

"If methylamphetamine did secure a hold in the UK, the consequences would undoubtedly be very serious."