West Yorkshire Legal Highs

23 January 2013, 06:00 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

West Yorkshire Police say young people could be taking potentially lethal legal highs, with similar effects as Illegal substances.

They’ve launched a massive campaign get people to understand the risks when taking so-called ‘legal highs’.

The police say people face serious dangers by taking these substances, which are manufactured as chemical substitutes for illegal drugs such as cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy.

They are also cracking down on high street ‘head shops’, which sell these drugs.

By labelling them "not for human consumption" or marketing them as “research chemicals” or “bath salts”, businesses are not breaking the law, provided they don’t sell to under-18s or tell buyers how to take them.

Officers say there have been a number of incidents in West Yorkshire where young people have been taken seriously ill and taken to hospital for treatment, in some parts of the country young people have even died.

As the market for 'legal highs' continues to boom, with about 50 new types appearing every year.

There work will highlight the risks associated with taking 'legal highs' that include breathing difficulties, heart palpitations, paranoia, psychosis, hallucinations, coma, seizures and death.

Officers will also be working with city licensees to distribute literature in pubs, clubs and bars.

They are running a massive social networking campaign, especially on Twitter- just look for #wyplegalhighs. You can follow the guys on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE

Anyone who wants information, help and advice about drugs can contact confidential helpline service FRANK, by calling 0800 77 66 00, texting 82111, or visiting www.talktofrank.com

Leeds Club Drug Clinic also offers help and advice for people with problems related to ‘party drugs’. Further information is available on their website www.leedsclubdrugclinic.com

Visit the West Yorkshire Police legal Highs web page- www.westyorkshire.police.uk/legalhighs