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Britain 'is global hub for drugs'
Martin Bentham, Home Affairs Editor06.11.08
BRITAIN is becoming an international centre for internet drug sales, EU experts warned today.
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.
Reader views (6)
Yes they love to keep drugs illegal because the real reason we are in Afghanistan is control of the opium fields - British, Americans, they are all involved.
This isn't any lie, I know people who know American troops gaurding them.
Same reason they had the Vietnam war and why they are in Columbia.
The CIA and World Bank, MI6 as well, control the drugs trade.
The lies cannot go on much longer, we know the truth, it's only a matter of time.
- Peter Smith, London, UK
This is hardly surprising; our border controls are non existent and the punishments in the (extrememly unlikely) event of getting caught are pathetic.
- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster
Nu Labor go away let the professionals take over the security of this country is at stake and Crash Gordon has messed up!!
- Georgie, Islington, London
Of course our government figures say that drug use is falling. Is this the same government spokesperson that said our troops had all the kit they need, or that the olympics would only cost a walnut whip or any of the other recent totally believable statistics published then refuted by those on the sharp end?
My answer {Polite version} POLICE HELICOPTERS!
Its time for change.
Make a sentance including the following: Gunpowder November Parliament Politicians.
- Dene Wood, Grays, Essex, That little country by the sea that used to have
Of course they are! This is due to a total lack of border control and letting the rest of the worlds criminals into the country.
- Vince London, West London
Allow the whole world and its criminals into one city and that's what you get.No surprise there,quite laughable really.
- Steve, London
