Tadcaster teens dable in drugs

Another drugs scare in North Yorkshire.

Police are warning about the dangers of a substance called MDPV that was recently classified as illegal at the same time as M-Cat.

On Saturday night a 14 year old boy flew into a rage at his home in Tadcaster and started making threats with a knife.

Armed police officers were alerted they arrested him and took him to hospital.

The following morning, in a separate incident, a 16 year old girl from the same town was in a critical condition at York District Hospital having taken MDPV the night before. 

She was on a life-support machine, but is now stable.

Today a 17 year old local male was arrested in connection with the supply of the drug to both teenagers.

He's been questioned and released on bail.

MDPV, which is the common name for methylenedioxypyrovalerone, became a controlled class B drug on 16 April 2010 as part of the legislation that came into effect in the wake of concerns over mephedrone.

The substance is described as being like amphetamine (speed) and MDMA, with a white flour-like texture and a distinctive sweet smell.

It is believed that only small doses of MDPV are very potent, which contrasts significantly even with drug such as heroin.

Chief Inspector Richard Anderson, the Safer Neighbourhood Commander for the Selby District, said: “These worrying incidents in Tadcaster over the weekend highlight the extreme dangers associated with former so-called ‘legal highs’ such as MDPV and mephedrone.

“They are clearly very harmful and could easily have proved fatal on this occasion. This is precisely why they are now illegal.

“I strongly urge people, in particular teenagers and those in their early 20s, to resist the temptations to experiment with these substances.

“Not only are they putting their health and life at serious risk, there is also the very real risk of jeopardising their future by being arrested and charged for possession of a class B drug. I promise you, it’s simply not worth it.

“If you have taken ANY drugs, MDPV or otherwise, and have experienced any side-effects that give rise to concern, then the advice is to seek medical attention as soon as possible."

Parents who are concerned about their son or daughter should contact the North Yorkshire and York Family and Carers Service on 0800 7316338.  

For more information and advice about receiving help for drug problems, log-on to the Compass website - www.compass-uk.org  - or call 01757 212 355 in Selby or 01904 670046 in York.

Further advice and guidance about drugs can be found on the Home Office’s “Frank” website www.talktofrank.com.

Contact North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 24 7 to report drug-related activity.

Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0845 60 60 24 7.

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