Crystal Meth Re-Classified
A drug which is often associated with the gay community is to be re-classified as a Class A substance, the Home Office has announced. The decision to re-classify Methylamphetamine, or ‘crystal meth’, has been on experiences of countries overseas, says the Home Office. Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said: “The decision to re-classify methamphetamine is based on international experience and has been taken on the advice of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD).
“Countries have to decide how to respond to a drug when it has no significant prevalence but potential for serious social problems. Methylamphetamine is a very substantial problem in many countries outside the European Union (EU) but not within it. “Reports that the United Kingdom (UK) is on the verge of a crystal meth explosion have been repeated for some years but to date there has been no reliable evidence to support this.
“However, international experience shows it has the potential to be extremely damaging to individuals, families and communities. It is on this basis that the ACMD recommend we reclassify it, fully supported by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) of England, Wales and Northern Ireland and we accept their advice.”
Methylamphetamine is most commonly known by its street name of crystal meth. A number of studies have identified an association between risky sexual behaviour and methylamphetamine, particularly among sex workers and gay men. It can bring on a feeling of exhilaration and produces increased arousal and activity levels. It causes a rapid heart rate and a rise in blood pressure, and the higher the dose the greater these effects. The substance is a derivative of amphetamine but it is much more potent than other forms of the drug, with potential for greater physical and psychological harm.
Simon Bray, ACPO lead on methylamphetamine and Commander in the Metropolitan Police Service, said: “ACPO is pleased that on the advice of ACMD, the Home Secretary has decided that methylamphetamine is to be reclassified as a Class A drug.
“The serious and well documented dangers associated with production and use of this drug in all its forms will now be substantially easier to combat as a result of this reclassification. It will also become possible to close down, for long periods, premises used as illicit ‘meth’ laboratories (a power for Class A drugs only). As a result of this change, police forces will now include methylamphetamine within their Class A enforcement strategies and people will be deterred by the penalties for making, dealing or using methylamphetmine.”
To locate a drug rehab for the treatment of crystal meth addiction call 1-800-99-DETOX or go to www.recoveryconnection.org.
