ABERCONWY AM calls for action to prevent use of new psychoactive substances

During today’s Plenary session the Assembly Member for Aberconwy, Janet Finch-Saunders, urged the Welsh Government to take practical steps to tackle the devastating effects of the so-called ‘legal highs’ which killed 60 people in England and Wales in 2013.  As a Member of the Health and Social Care Committee, Janet spoke of its report which has made 14 recommendations on how to do this.

The Member noted that between 2012 and 2014 Welsh police forces saw a 20-fold increase in the number of incidents where the reference to the substances was recorded.

Speaking of the need for greater education on these drugs, the AM said:

“It is truly shocking that children as young as 11 have tried these drugs, leading to: altered behaviour; slowed down reactions; feelings of panic and confusion; and in extreme cases heart attacks.”

“In order to give our children a fighting chance against these pernicious substances, it is essential that they are well informed about NPS use and their harms.”

The Member highlighted the fact that in the Republic of Ireland NPS use is illegal, saying that in an ideal world they would also be banned in Wales.