News

10 June 2010
WARNING OVER DRUG DANGERS AHEAD OF FESTIVAL

POLICE are increasingly concerned over an emerging drug, NRG-1 or Energy-1 being used in Scotland and they wish to highlight their concerns to the public and in particular to any young people who may be attracted to the substance. 

These drugs are being marketed as legal substances through UK internet sites and “head shops.”  This is one of 24 new psychoactive substances that authorities have learned about in recent months.  Some websites state that NRG-1 contains a substance called Napthepyrovalerone, also known as Naphyrone which is not a controlled substance.  However, to date, all samples of drugs labelled as NRG-1 that have been analysed have been found to contain Class B drugs, mainly a substance called Methylenedioxypyrovalerone.

The warning comes as thousands of people head for the annual Rockness music festival near Inverness which runs from Friday 11 June until Monday 14 June and where police will rigorously target the misuse of drugs.

The effects of NRG-1 are described by these websites are that it is stimulant-like however users are reporting experiencing extreme anxiety and hospitals are reporting a number of admissions in recent weeks where individuals have required treatment after using the substance.

Such uncontrolled substances have the potential to be misused and are constantly monitored by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).

Commenting on behalf of ACPOS, Detective Superintendent Willie MacColl, National Drugs Coordinator, Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA) said:

“We are aware of the emergence of the sale of a drug labelled NRG-1 being marketed as a substance that is not controlled, a so called legal high.

“It is important that people understand the risks associated with such substances which are prepared and packaged in an unregulated manner.   What the label says does not always reflect what is in the contents.   Users can never be sure what they are taking and this could lead to severe consequences.  The adverse effects on an individual’s health are not known and there is a real potential for short term and long term harm from these substances.

“Samples recovered by police in recent weeks have been analysed and all have actually been found to contain a Class B drug MDPV, which carries serious penalties, including a fine or jail term for those found in possession or supplying the substance.”

He added: “The police in Scotland will continue to enforce the law in relation to all controlled drugs through seizures and arrests.  We will also continue to educate young people and parents on substance misuse so that through education and early intervention we can reduce the demand for these products.”

In recent months there has been a rise in the number of cases across the UK.  Dr Roland Armes, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, stated that over the last month he and his colleagues in the Emergency Department of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary have treated an increasing number of patients who have taken a substance labelled “NRG-1”.

Common physical symptoms at presentation have included increased blood pressure, heart rate and temperature, abnormal and uncontrollable muscle movements and sweating. Psychological symptoms are common and severe, including agitation, anxiety and paranoia.

These symptoms appear to persist for a prolonged period after taking “NRG-1”; in some cases several days. Use of this substance has resulted in a number of patients requiring hospital admission.

Dr Armes said that there appear to be serious and unpredictable health risks associated with the use of even small quantities of “NRG-1” and he fears that sooner or later a user will suffer significant complications as a result. Any actions taken to restrict supply and use of this substance are welcomed.

Authorities also warn users against mixing the substance with another drug or alcohol as the consequences could be even more severe.

Dave Liddell of the Scottish Drugs Forum said: “Sadly, it’s inevitable that other substances would be marketed by dealers to take the place of mephedrone and other cathinones once they were controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

“We know little about the true extent of the risks from these new substances – whether or not they are banned or not - and the potential impact on young lives has to be of concern.

“People who use these drugs may think of themselves as the media-savvy generation but they are highly unlikely to be as clued up about the risks and harms involved with these drugs – whether using just one drug, or mixing it with alcohol and other drugs.

“It’s crucial they get accurate and credible information from a source they will trust and are willing to listen to.”

For further information contact:

ACPOS Communications
0141 435 1240
07771 842881