Jan 20 2006
Mike Underwood, Evening Gazette
A deadly drug which has ravaged small towns in North America is being manufactured and abused on Teesside, it was claimed today.
The news emerged after an addict told drug workers how "pockets" of users have started experimenting with deadly crystal meth, also known as "ice".
There are fears the highly addictive substance could grip Teesside and have a more devastating effect than heroin and crack cocaine.
Cooked up in "meth kitchens", the drug can be easily produced by dealers at home using simple equipment and over-the-counter ingredients, including chemicals distilled from cough medicine.
It gives users an intense, long-lasting buzz while boosting sex drive - but is almost instantly addictive and can leave hardcore addicts with psychosis, paranoia, depression and other serious health problems.
It has killed in many cases in the US, Australia and the Far East.
Karl Sheldon, team leader of Addaction, Cleveland's stimulants service, told the Gazette: "One of our clients has told us that crystal meth is being used and made on Teesside.
"It came to my attention about a month ago when the client told me there were pockets of users around Middlesbrough."
Mr Sheldon added: "It is going to have a wide-reaching effect on families and communities because it is easily produced, highly addictive and cheaper than cocaine so it will be attractive to those in the clubbing culture."
A gram of "ice" would cost users between £25-£30 while the same amount of cocaine would cost up to £40.
Evidence in the US shows crystal meth has devastated communities from city suburbs to rural areas.
While Cleveland Police drug squads say they have not yet come across the drug on Teesside, a spokesman said: "From extensive studies in America and elsewhere the force is well aware of the dangers of crystal meth and what its use brings and we are alert to it. We are in touch with support teams who help drug addicts in the area and will take immediate action should this substance be uncovered."
Tina Williams, who runs the PANIC support centre for addicts in Stockton, said she feared the drug will be worse than heroin and crack cocaine. She said: "I'm terrified at the prospect of this. It is going to be very difficult to cope with from a support point of view. "
But action has been taken in the UK to try to thwart production of the drug. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain has advised manufacturers to avoid the use of ephedrine - a key ingredient of crystal meth - where possible.
Home Secretary Charles Clarke said: "Methylamphetamine is a dangerous drug that has had a major impact on communities in countries such as the United States. It is fortunate that we are in a position to take early action by introducing strong preventative measures to halt its use."
http://icteesside.icnetwork.co.uk/0100n ... _page.html
UK: Deadly US drug now on Teesside
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