Nwicker60
10-Jun-12, 12:22
Force alert after two taken to hospital
POLICE and partners in health are issuing a warning to RockNess festival goers after two people have been taken to hospital.
A 19 year-old woman and a 20 year-old man were taken to Raigmore Hospital from the RockNess festival in the early hours of this morning. It is believed they may have consumed substances including "legal highs". They remain in hospital and their condition is not life-threatening.
Police and organisers have minimised the risk of controlled drugs at the festival through a range of measures, including searches and the use of drugs dogs, as well as amnesty bins. Only a few days ago, police issued a drugs warning by the SCDEA (Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency) about the latest pink ectasy tablet.
Police and partners have issued a warning to those attending the festival that they should be aware of the dangers of taking any non-prescribed drugs or other substances such as those known as "legal highs".
Police are currently making enquiries into a "legal high" substance known as BENZO FURY which is believed may have been taken by those who are currently being treated in hospital. This is not a controlled drug. It may, however, be very dangerous, particularly if consumed with other substances.
Event Commander, Superintendent Stevie Mackay said: "Taking drugs or any medicines, which you have not been prescribed, is an extremely risky thing to do. People may think that legal highs are safe, because they are not classed as a controlled drug, but they are extremely dangerous. If anyone has the tablets described or any other drug, whether controlled or a "legal high", in their possession, they are advised not to take them and to hand these in. Amnesty bins are available at the main Nesstival entrance or anyone can hand in substances to Crew 2000 at the WELFARE Tent."
Public Health Constultant Dr Cameron Stark said: " Our advice is simple: limit how much alcohol you drink, and don’t take non prescribed drugs. If however you have taken non prescribed drugs including "legal highs�, it is really important that you don’t combine them with alcohol. If you feel unwell or you are worried about a friend, please get immediate advice from the onsite medical team."
Festival Organiser Jim King said "What should be very clear from this information is that legal highs does not mean safe, and customers should not go anywhere near these dangerous substances. Festival goers should heed the advice given to them by the health professionals and the police, and stay safe by avoiding drugs of any kind."
If anyone has any information they should contact police on 01463 715555 or speak to any officer.
POLICE and partners in health are issuing a warning to RockNess festival goers after two people have been taken to hospital.
A 19 year-old woman and a 20 year-old man were taken to Raigmore Hospital from the RockNess festival in the early hours of this morning. It is believed they may have consumed substances including "legal highs". They remain in hospital and their condition is not life-threatening.
Police and organisers have minimised the risk of controlled drugs at the festival through a range of measures, including searches and the use of drugs dogs, as well as amnesty bins. Only a few days ago, police issued a drugs warning by the SCDEA (Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency) about the latest pink ectasy tablet.
Police and partners have issued a warning to those attending the festival that they should be aware of the dangers of taking any non-prescribed drugs or other substances such as those known as "legal highs".
Police are currently making enquiries into a "legal high" substance known as BENZO FURY which is believed may have been taken by those who are currently being treated in hospital. This is not a controlled drug. It may, however, be very dangerous, particularly if consumed with other substances.
Event Commander, Superintendent Stevie Mackay said: "Taking drugs or any medicines, which you have not been prescribed, is an extremely risky thing to do. People may think that legal highs are safe, because they are not classed as a controlled drug, but they are extremely dangerous. If anyone has the tablets described or any other drug, whether controlled or a "legal high", in their possession, they are advised not to take them and to hand these in. Amnesty bins are available at the main Nesstival entrance or anyone can hand in substances to Crew 2000 at the WELFARE Tent."
Public Health Constultant Dr Cameron Stark said: " Our advice is simple: limit how much alcohol you drink, and don’t take non prescribed drugs. If however you have taken non prescribed drugs including "legal highs�, it is really important that you don’t combine them with alcohol. If you feel unwell or you are worried about a friend, please get immediate advice from the onsite medical team."
Festival Organiser Jim King said "What should be very clear from this information is that legal highs does not mean safe, and customers should not go anywhere near these dangerous substances. Festival goers should heed the advice given to them by the health professionals and the police, and stay safe by avoiding drugs of any kind."
If anyone has any information they should contact police on 01463 715555 or speak to any officer.