Latest news with #MisuseofDrugsAct1971
Sunday World
29-07-2025
- Health
- Sunday World
Councillor warns of laughing gas dangers after ‘toxic' den discovered in Co Down town
Under current legislation, the knowing or reckless supply of nitrous oxide (NOS) for inhalation is banned and dealers face up to seven years behind bars DUP councillor Alan Lewis concerned about laughing gas use in Ballynahinch A Co Down councillor has expressed concerns about a life-threatening culture of laughing gas use following the discovery of a 'toxic' den in Ballynahinch. Under current legislation, the knowing or reckless supply of nitrous oxide (NOS) for inhalation is banned and dealers face up to seven years behind bars. However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has found that it can readily be bought online for around £25 a bottle. Discarded nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, canisters. Pic: PA Slieve Croob representative Alan Lewis said he has personally removed 'multiple cylinders' from the Grove Road after residents complained that they 'can be regularly found at this location'. 'These gas bottles were found with pump nozzles attached and used balloons scattered alongside,' he said. 'There are dozens of these bottles being found on a weekly basis at this location. 'At the moment, we are working on how to dispose of these gas bottles safely. These gas bottles are a real and present danger for younger children who will not know what they are. 'Some of these bottles were thrown away without any thought for others' safety, some even still had balloons attached, which an innocent child could easily pick up and be exposed to the dangers. Inhaling nitrous oxide is dangerous. It's being talked about as a quick high." The potentially deadly gas is typically released into balloons from small silver canisters and then inhaled. Prolonged use can cause vitamin B12 deficiency, anaemia and nerve damage. Doctors previously warned that using the substance can lead to spinal injuries and, in some cases, even death. The DUP councillor warned that, despite the nickname, laughing gas isn't funny. 'This gas starves the brain of oxygen, leading to dizziness, unconsciousness, and in some cases, death,' Mr Lewis said. 'There is a toxic warning label on these for a reason, it's dangerous. 'Some brands are stronger than regular NOS and may contain unknown additives. You never know what you're inhaling. Life is worth more than a 60-second high. Stay smart. Stay safe. Don't be stupid.' The PSNI said nitrous oxide is a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and warned that 'making possession and sale for recreational purposes a criminal offence'. The Northern Ireland Public Health Agency website states that New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) have received a high media profile over the past few years, 'in part because of the difficulties in restricting access to these drugs using the law and also because of deaths in Northern Ireland relating to NPS.' DUP councillor Alan Lewis concerned about laughing gas use in Ballynahinch News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, July 29
Belfast Telegraph
29-07-2025
- Health
- Belfast Telegraph
Councillor warns of laughing gas dangers after ‘toxic' den discovered in NI town
Under current legislation, the knowing or reckless supply of nitrous oxide (NOS) for inhalation is banned and dealers face up to seven years behind bars. However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has found that it can readily be bought online for around £25 a bottle. Slieve Croob representative Alan Lewis said he has personally removed 'multiple cylinders' from the Grove Road after residents complained that they 'can be regularly found at this location'. 'These gas bottles were found with pump nozzles attached and used balloons scattered alongside,' he said. 'There are dozens of these bottles being found on a weekly basis at this location. 'At the moment, we are working on how to dispose of these gas bottles safely. These gas bottles are a real and present danger for younger children who will not know what they are. 'Some of these bottles were thrown away without any thought for others' safety, some even still had balloons attached, which an innocent child could easily pick up and be exposed to the dangers. Inhaling nitrous oxide is dangerous. It's being talked about as a quick high." The potentially deadly gas is typically released into balloons from small silver canisters and then inhaled. Prolonged use can cause vitamin B12 deficiency, anaemia and nerve damage. Doctors previously warned that using the substance can lead to spinal injuries and, in some cases, even death. The DUP councillor warned that, despite the nickname, laughing gas isn't funny. 'This gas starves the brain of oxygen, leading to dizziness, unconsciousness, and in some cases, death,' Mr Lewis said. 'There is a toxic warning label on these for a reason, it's dangerous. 'Some brands are stronger than regular NOS and may contain unknown additives. You never know what you're inhaling. Life is worth more than a 60-second high. Stay smart. Stay safe. Don't be stupid.' The PSNI said nitrous oxide is a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and warned that 'making possession and sale for recreational purposes a criminal offence'. The Northern Ireland Public Health Agency website states that New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) have received a high media profile over the past few years, 'in part because of the difficulties in restricting access to these drugs using the law and also because of deaths in Northern Ireland relating to NPS.'
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Doctor says quit five habits 'before you reach 40' to live longer
A consultant cardiologist has shared the five common habits he recommends you give up before you reach the age of 40 in order to ensure you live a longer, healthier life They say that life begins at 40 - however, a doctor has issued a warning about certain lifestyle choices you should consider discarding before reaching this milestone age. Dr Evan Levine, a consultant cardiologist, took to TikTok to outline five habits he believes you should eliminate for a happier and healthier future. Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) last year revealed the average UK life expectancy had for the first time more than a decade – 78.6 years for boys born from 2020 to 2022, and 82.6 for girls. But Dr Levine said you may be in a better position to beat the odds if you follow his advice. The New York-based specialist insists that if living longer is your goal, reconsidering some common habits may well be in order. "Five things you need to stop doing by the age of 40, although it's never too late to stop," he began in a video. Smoking Starting with perhaps the most obvious factor, Dr Levine highlighted the importance of considering giving up smoking as you edge towards 40. "Studies show that the greatest sensation from smoking comes early in adulthood," he explained. "You can reverse most of the complications [from smoking], but don't wait until you are 60 - stop right now." With regards to smoking, the NHS advises: "Every cigarette you smoke is harmful. Smoking is the biggest cause of preventable deaths in England, accounting for more than 80,000 deaths each year. One in two smokers will die from a smoking-related disease." The NHS also recommends downloading its free NHS Quit Smoking app for "daily motivation" and to track your progress. Alcohol Dr Levine ranks cutting down on alcohol as the second key health move. "Alcohol affects the risk of cancer - especially in women through heart disease and atrial fibrillation," he remarked. He warned that having more than a single drink daily is "dangerous" for your wellbeing. "You're not a kid anymore," Dr Levine pointed out. "As well as causing serious health problems, long-term alcohol misuse can lead to social problems for some people, such as unemployment, divorce, domestic abuse and homelessness," the NHS advises online. "To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level, both men and women are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units a week." Drugs "Sorry to say, but number three is marijuana," the doctor continued, highlighting the drug's link to cognitive decline. "It also increases your risk of dementia in later life - and of course any drugs like cocaine... that next snort... your heart's not that young anymore, it could be your last," he warned. In the UK, cannabis is illegal for recreational use, and it's classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, while cocaine is listed as a Class A substance. The NHS' advice on drugs reads: "If you need help for a drug problem, you're entitled to treatment in the same way as anyone else who has a health problem. A GP may be a good place to start. They can discuss your problems with you and help get you into treatment." Over-exercising It might come as a shock, but Dr Levine warns that "too much of a good thing" - such as long-distance running and extreme exercise - might seem beneficial, but can turn out to be the "cash cow of orthopaedic doctors." He explained: "Pounding away at your hips, knees and feet, especially when you age, increases your risk of joint disease and needs for replacements." The doctor recommends such activities are "tapered down" to just a couple of miles, while alternative forms of exercise could be sought to help. He added: "Long-distance running is also associated with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, especially as you get older." Dr Levine also expressed concerns about heavy weight training. "Doing so over and over increases your blood pressure, and can also increase heart disease - so time to cut down on the weights also," he advised. For people aged 19 to 64, NHS Inform states that "all adults should aim to be physically active every day. The more you do, the greater the benefit to your health and wellbeing." Meanwhile, for people aged 65 and over, the NHS recommends: be physically active every day, even if it's just light activity do activities that improve strength, balance and flexibility on at least 2 days a week do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity if you are already active, or a combination of both reduce time spent sitting or lying down and break up long periods of not moving with some activity Eating junk food Dr Levine emphasised in his closing remarks: "Sorry, but you are 40 now - stop eating everything you want." While this might be more easily said than done, he suggested that "following simple rules" can greatly benefit your wellbeing. Don't overcomplicate it, he advises, proposing that individuals should cut back on "fast foods, sugary drinks like sodas, frappuccinos and energy drinks." And his parting piece of advice? "Look, your 40s will either make or break you if you want to have another 40 plus good years." The NHS' Eat Well service advises everyone to eat a balanced diet. The Eatwell Guide shows that to have a healthy, balanced diet.
Daily Record
24-06-2025
- Daily Record
Ex Ayrshire shop worker 'not a fit and proper person' after drug supply conviction
The 36-year-old was found with cannabis and cash worth £7510. A former shop worker from Kilwinning has had his personal licence revoked after being convicted of drugs offences. Sgt David Markin of Ayrshire Licensing Department in Kilmarnock told Monday's meeting of North Ayrshire Licensing Board that Mandeep Dhaliwal had been convicted under the terms of the Licensing Scotland Act 2005. The 36-year-old was convicted on February 13 at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 concerning the supply of a controlled drug, cannabis. The disposal at the time was a confiscation order of £7,510 and community payback order of unpaid work of 210 hours to be completed within a year. At 10.40am on September 19 last year, police attended the accused's address in Kilwinning and were in possession of a search warrant. Mr Dhaliwal was inside. A search was carried out for a quantity of green herbal material, and a quantity of cannabis weighing 885g and a quantity of cash worth £7510 were recovered along with a set of scales. Some green herbal material was recovered and was found in preparation of individual deal bags. The value of the material recovered was given as £3,800. Mr Dhaliwal, who used to work at the Premier store in Kilwinning Main Street, was sentenced on March 14 at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court. He told the Board: 'I regret what happened at that time. I was in a bad place myself. I have already paid for it by doing the community order.' Cllr Christina Larsen said: "It is a serious offence and being a licence holder comes with responsibility. You have to be a fit and proper person and due to the conviction, I propose we revoke your licence for not being a fit and proper person.' Her motion was seconded by cllr Ronnie Stalker and unanimously agreed by the board.
Daily Mirror
18-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits issued airport warning over bringing 3 types of pain-killers on-board
Brit holidaymakers are being warned to make one urgent check before bringing their medication to the airport - or face potential action when they reach their destination One of the major parts of packing up a suitcase for holiday is making sure you have the correct amount of medication. Some people take pain-killers with them as a precaution, while others generally need to take a whole host of tablets on their journey due to pre-existing medical conditions. Whatever your scenario, there are some medicines which need extra attention before you set off on your travels. Some relatively popular pain-killers are actually restricted in some places, according to experts at Which? who say it's important to check if your pills are complying with the UK's Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. If you're leaving the country with medicine that contains a controlled drug, you'll have to prove its intended use with a letter from your doctor. Codeine or medication containing codeine can get you arrested in countries like Thailand and the UAE (United Arab Emirates). These can be found in certain medications, including Nurofen Plus and Solpadeine. Other strong painkillers, like morphine and tramadol, are prohibited, as these are known to be highly addictive. Other countries with strict rules on medication are: Greece, Japan, and Mexico. Countries have different restrictions on how much a passenger can bring into the country. Still, a medical letter from a professional will be needed as proof. If the person travelling intends to be outside of the country for a long period of time, they will need to apply for a personal license from the Home Office at least 15 days before the intended departure date. Which? also recommended keeping the medicine in its original packaging and bringing a copy of the prescription as back-up. Full list of medications While restrictions differ for every country, the experts said: "You should be especially cautious if you are planning on travelling anywhere with any of these, or with medical equipment such as syringes or an EpiPen, as you're likely to need some form of written permission." Codeine or medication containing codeine - typically found in Nurofen Plus and Solpadeine. Morphine and tramadol Opiate painkillers Antidepressants Sleeping pills Anti-anxiety medication (including diazepam) ADHD medication Cannabidiol The government's foreign travel advice medication advisory for Greece says: "Pharmacies across Greece stock a good supply of medicines, but there are strict rules around dispensing certain medicines, including antibiotics. Bring prescription medicines with you and carry a letter from your doctor stating the quantity required during your stay. "Keep the medication in the original container with the prescription label. The name on the prescription must match the name on your passport."
