War on drugs - 'Authorities are belatedly taking action'

There is no doubt that these unpredictable substances are now readily available across the Lothians and can pose just as much danger to health as better-known, illegal drugs.

The authorities are belatedly starting to take action on the issue after years of dragging their feet and allowing this counterculture to spiral out of control.

In recent weeks, the Home Office announced an immediate ban on naphyrone, marketed as NRG 1, placing it in the same Class B drug category as cannabis and amphetamine. The decision was taken amid fears about the large quantities likely to be sold freely at music festivals across the country this summer. The substance is similar to mephedrone, outlawed after being linked to the deaths of young revellers.

The problem we now face in trying to deal with the situation is the huge proliferation of new drugs being created in pharmacies as far afield as China in a deliberate attempt to stay one step ahead of the UK law. The current crackdown is better than doing nothing, but it cannot possibly hope to keep pace with every change in today's fast-moving drugs market.

The key to tackling the risks posed by "legal highs" is educating young people about the potential dangers involved. The experience of those admitted to local hospitals in the past week should act as a clear warning.

Green for go

Going green when our lives today are so busy and every penny in the household budget counts does not always seem easy. It is sometimes difficult even to know where to make a start.

That is why the Evening News is teaming up with Prince Charles's charity, the Mayday Network, on Project Start.

Over the coming weeks we will be offering practical tips to help you save money, have fun and improve your health - all while helping save the planet.

So, however environmentally friendly you are right now, take one small step and make your green pledge. Our article on page 4 tells you how to Start.