A recent study has uncovered a startling trend: one in six vapes seized from students in England contains the dangerous synthetic drug known as Spice.
This disturbing revelation comes from testing conducted on hundreds of confiscated vaping devices from 38 schools.
The results show a troubling presence of Spice—a drug linked to severe health risks like heart attacks and strokes.
Professor Chris Pudney from the University of Bath led the research using an innovative portable device designed to detect synthetic drugs instantly.
In collaboration with schools and police across London, the West Midlands, Greater Manchester, and South Yorkshire, Pudney tested 596 confiscated vapes.
The findings were shocking: Spice was detected in 28 of the 38 schools, which amounts to a 74% prevalence rate.
Roughly 16.6% of the vapes contained Spice, while only about 1.17% had THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis.
As the summer holidays approach, Professor Pudney is urging parents and guardians to talk openly with their children about the serious risks of illegal vapes.
He emphasized that many teenagers are unknowingly consuming Spice, believing they’re using products with THC or nicotine.
This misconception can lead to severe health emergencies, including cardiac arrest, and in some cases, prolonged stays in intensive care.
The professor stresses the importance of honest, non-judgmental conversations to help children make safer choices.
The Impact on Schools
Ben Davis, headteacher at St Ambrose Barlow High School in Salford, has firsthand experience with the consequences of Spice use among students.
He recalled incidents where students under the influence of Spice experienced disturbing symptoms and even collapsed.
Dealing with these situations is a significant challenge for schools, affecting both students and staff deeply.
Understanding Spice
So, what exactly is Spice? Spice is a synthetic drug designed to mimic the effects of natural cannabinoids like cannabis but is often much stronger and more dangerous.
Unlike natural cannabis, Spice can cause severe health issues, including mental health problems and acute physical symptoms like convulsions and heart failure.
Despite being legal to purchase, the risks associated with Spice are very real, with hospital admissions related to the drug increasing significantly in recent years.
Steps Being Taken
In response to the crisis, Professor Pudney has provided a portable Spice detector to Devon and Cornwall Police to better gauge and address the problem.
Chief Inspector Sarah Johns emphasized that the risks associated with unregulated vapes are substantial, and that addressing these issues requires vigilance and effective resource allocation.
Proactive Measures
Detective Sergeant Laura Bell from Greater Manchester Police highlighted the importance of proactive measures in protecting young people.
She noted that education is key and urged parents to keep their children informed about the dangers of illegal drugs and vapes.
The police are committed to removing illegal vapes from the streets and have already seized numerous devices through various operations.
A National Issue
The issue of Spice-laced vapes is not confined to a single region but is a growing problem nationwide.
A recent incident in Eltham, South East London, involved five teenagers who fell seriously ill after using a contaminated vape, with one even ending up in a coma.
Professor Pudney is calling on the government to elevate this issue to a national priority, urging for comprehensive harm reduction strategies and support for schools and law enforcement.
The ongoing situation underscores the need for increased awareness and action to safeguard young people from the harmful effects of Spice-laced vapes.
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