Lincolnshire teens turning violent on legal highs, police say

Lincolnshire Police are urging youngsters not to take legal highs being sold across the county after some teenagers showed violent behaviour while on the drugs.

One particular product called Exodus Damnation, which is being sold in Lincolnshire, has led to some alarming incidents in the county, police said.

The ingredients listed on the packaging of Exodus Damnation are those found in garden moss killer and floor paint.

Ambulance Crews have requested police officers to assist with a number of violent patients recently.

At one incident, two 17-year-old teenagers ingested Exodus Damnation with a bong and suffered severe symptoms of delirium, damaging their home address.

They reportedly tried to jump from the stairs and out of windows, and when restrained, they fitted and overheated.

In another incident, an ambulance crew called the police regarding an 18-year-old man who was violent and aggressive towards them.

While the ambulance crew and paramedics were present, he bit his father’s face, ripping off his lip and part of his chin. He also caused extensive damage to the ambulance.

Exodus Damnation has led to some alarming incidents in the county, Lincolnshire Police said.

Police said legal highs are on sale at various outlets, including dedicated “head shops” across Lincolnshire.

Lincolnshire Police said in a statement: “Over the last year a number of people have been extremely ill after taking these products – with local hospitals reporting an increase in patients complaining of palpitations, chest pains, panic and breathing difficulties.

“Anecdotally, local schools have also suggested to the police that they suspect a limited number of pupils are regularly under the influence of these substances in class.

“This industry is not regulated and the products on sale are not tested. Many contain harmful substances and some even contain illegal drugs.

“The police can only take positive action if illegal drugs like M-CAT are involved and in recent months premises have been visited and substances have been seized.

“If the substances do not contain illegal drugs, even though they are harmful, at present there is little the authorities can do to restrict their sale.”

Dean Graham, a senior manager at Lincolnshire YMCA operating The Showroom Youth Centre, said: “Working closely with local schools and the neighbourhood policing team we spend a great deal of time educating young people about the harmful effects of taking illegal substances as well as the criminal underworld that is supported by it.

“Our progress is being hampered by the fact you can go to shops on Lincoln’s high street and legally purchase substances that are just as harmful.”

“We provide positive activities and a safe place for young people aged 11-25 to come and hang out with friends and we are seeing an increase in the number of young people who are openly discussing the use of legal highs.

“The staff at The Showroom regularly have to explain that just because something is legal does not mean it is safe. We have heard of our members suffering from some nasty side effects including temporary blindness from taking legal highs.

“It’s not something that should be ignored and hoped it will go away, parents need to be aware that for very small amounts of money these substances are easily available and the use of them are increasing in our experience.

“The belief is that because the Police allow shops to sell these products then they must be ok, the truth is that police currently don’t have any powers to prevent the sale unless the substances contain illegal drugs.”