'Safe' Drug Methoxetamine Faces Ban after Deaths
Methoxetamine, said to be a safe alternative to Ketamine, might be banned in UK after two people were found dead, reportedly due to the drug consumption.
A 32-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman were found dead in Leicester and Melton Mowbray in February after taking Methoxetamine.
The Home office said that Methoxetamine or mexxy has been referred to the Government's drugs advisers in a bid to impose a temporary banning order, according to a Press Association report.
"We have become increasingly concerned at the potential harms of methoxetamine, and continue to work with our drug experts on the ACMD to decide on the best way to protect public health," Press Association quoted Junior Home Office Minister Lord Henley as saying.
"It is important for those considering using these drugs to understand that just because a substance is legal, it does not mean it is safe and should not be seen as a safer alternative to illegal substances," he added.
Methoxetamine has been identified as one of the new psychoactive substances, which might affect the mind or mental process.
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) will decide if the drug has to be banned permanently or for a temporary period. If banned temporarily, usage of Methoxetamine will be made illegal for 12 months.
It is not the only legal high drug that has been sold. According to experts, more than 40 new legal high drugs were sold in Britain 2011 as against 13 in 2008, the Daily Mail has reported.
Methoxetamine is a research chemical, which is not for human consumption. Since the drug is legal, it is available online at cheaper rates.
© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.