30 October 2023 , 15:15
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Parents are being warned of unregulated vapes laced with drugs after cases of children collapsing at schools.
Dozens of vapes have been seized and sent for testing for Spice and THC, the active drug in cannabis, following the episodes at schools recently.
It is believed some reusable vape pens are being filled with the drugs by dealers – with officers receiving information regarding pupils becoming unwell after using them. Teachers at schools in Middlesbrough, Teesside, are particularly high alert for the devices and are confiscating them while the investigation continues.
The devices are believed to be sold to young people using Snapchat and other social media apps, Cleveland Police says.
Mark Adams, South Tees Joint Director of Public Health, said: “Any illicit vapes are very dangerous, and it’s important we get the message out to the public that unregulated vape pens can cause serious damage to the health of our young people. Licensed, regulated vapes containing nicotine are a useful tool to help adults quit smoking but they should not be used by anyone under 18.
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"But young people thinking of buying these illicit, home-filled devices online have no idea what has gone into them, and the potential danger they could cause. THC and Spice are harmful, psychoactive substances that can cause serious health problems and parents need to be vigilant to ensure they do not find their way into the hands of Middlesbrough’s young people.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke, the Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: “Ensuring parents and carers get the message loud and clear that these vapes are incredibly dangerous is vital, to help them keep our young people safe. I would urge anyone who has information about these vapes to contact police.”
Sergeant Daniel Oldroyd, from Cleveland Police’s Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “A number of vapes confiscated by local schools have been seized by Cleveland Police officers and some have tested positive for illegal drugs. The legal age to use and purchase vapes is 18, however, we know that they are being sold to young people via social media, and these are then being taken into schools.
“Not only is this a health issue, but those possessing and supplying illegal drugs could be committing criminal offences. We are working closely with local schools and partners to share information and intelligence. We would also urge parents, guardians and anyone with information they may have about those supplying these vapes to call Cleveland Police on 101.”
A letter from the South Tees Public Health team will be circulated to parents at Middlesbrough schools this week. It explains how THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, while Spice is a collection of synthetic Class B drugs which are cheaper to produce and mimic the effects of drugs like cannabis.