AMPHETAMINES
(Speed, Uppers, Base and Whiz) Normally in powdered form but can also be found as a tablet or as a wet putty-like substance known as ‘base’. Generally white or slightly grey.
This drug causes increased alertness, an abundance of energy and confidence, confusion, rapid speech, dilated pupils, increased blood pressure and its effects are increased by alcohol consumption.
ECSTASY
(E’s, Doves, XTC, Mitsubishi, 69’s and Ferrari) Generally comes in tablet form, tablets can vary in shape, size and colour and generally have a logo on one side.
Dilated pupils are generally the first sign that someone is “Eeing”. An abundance of energy (which may cause them to want to dance all night) and confidence, increases their friendliness and sociability. Greater colour perception, loss of co-ordination and increased thirst are other symptoms. Increased blood pressure and body temperature can lead heart failure and liver damage and the hyperactivity it induces can lead to anxious and paranoid behaviour. Whilst generally associated with dance venues Ecstasy is often taken in pubs prior to going into nightclubs as many of those venues have strict search procedures.
GHB & KETAMINE
(GHB is also know as GBH, Gabba and liquid gold.) Ketamine is known as K, Special K & Ket) GHB comes in small bottles or capsules and is both odourless and colourless. Ketamine is a white powder that can also be sold as a tablet or as a liquid.
Small doses cause increased friendliness and sociability, however, larger doses cause sleepiness, muscle stiffness, loss of coordination and vision. Individuals under the influence will suddenly appear drunk despite having only had one or two alcoholic drinks. It can cause convulsions and breathing problems. GHB is associated with drug assisted sexual assault (date rape). Ketamine can cause hallucinations, vision problems. Mixed with alcohol it may cause heart failure.
HEROIN
(Smack, H, Horse, Skag, Junk, Dragon, Kit, Toot and Burn) Powder which can be off white, light or dark brown. Taken by either injection or by inhaling the fumes it produces when heated.
Heroin is a relaxant causing euphoria, drowsiness, dehydration and a lack of appetite. Users will feel tremors, cramps and severe sweating when unable to obtain another ‘fix’ of heroin (often known as withdrawal or “going cold turkey”). Those smoking use tin foil and a tube known as a ‘tooter’ through which to inhale the fumes used tin foil will show burnt heroin residue. Users who inject need a surface to heat the heroin, normally a spoon, the powder turns into a liquid which can be drawn up into a syringe and injected (jacking up). When searching users, great care must be taken as used needles can spread diseases such as hepatitis or HIV/AIDS. Any syringes should be disposed of carefully and you should have a “sharps disposal” kit in your pub for this eventuality.
QAT or KHAT
Qat is imported from Kenya, Ethiopia and Yemen on regular flights to Heathrow but has to be distributed rapidly as it has a lifespan of only 48 hours. It is sold in small shops and cafes in bundles costing £3 to £6 each.
Described as a herbal product made up of the leaves and shoots of the shrub Catha edulis, which releases a mild stimulant after being chewed for about an hour and three quarters. Its effects can induce mild agitation and nervousness similar to the effects of very strong coffee.
Classified as a Class C Drug in July 2013
MEPHEDRONE
(meph, drone, MCAT, meow meow, and bubble) Mephedrone can come in the form of capsules, tablets or white powder that users may swallow, snort, inject, smoke or use rectally
Produces similar effects to MDMA (the active ingredient in ecstacy), amphetamines, and cocaine. As well as producing the intended stimulant effects, negative side effects occur when mephedrone including: dilated pupils, poor concentration, teeth grinding, problems focusing visually, poor short-term memory, hallucinations, delusions, and erratic behaviour.
METHOXETAMINE
(Mexxy and MXE) used as an alternative to Ketamin
can cause , hallucinations and paranoia, agitation, cardiovascular conditions and hypertension.
Note: I have little knowledge of its appearance, how it is ingested/used or what visible symptoms may help show it is being used … if anyone knows about this please let me know and I will put more information here.
In 2012 73 new “drugs” were discovered and made available for sale over the internet, so keeping up with what the latest drug craze is, is virtually impossible.
“LEGAL” HIGHS
Finally a word on “legal highs”, as these are subject to review at any point by the authorities my advice on these substances are to treat them as any illegal drugs – don’t tolerate their use in your pub, if for no other reason that you wouldn’t allow a customer to consume their own food or drink on the premises, neither should you tolerate a customer using something on your premises that replaces a sale of your products.
Five ‘legal highs’ are set to be banned by the Government from Friday 10 April 2015 for a period of 12 months while assessments are made as to whether they should be appropriately controlled.
The ban affects five compounds related to methylphenidate, which is a Class B drug.
One of the drugs being banned (ethylphenidate – also known as ‘gogaine’ and ‘burst’) has become an alternative to cocaine. In order to prevent users from switching to related drugs with similar harms, four further drugs will also be banned:
- 3,4-Dichloromethylphenidate (‘3,4-DCMP’);
- Methylnaphthidate (HDMP-28);
- Isopropylphenidat (IPP or IPPD); and
- Propylphenidate.
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