Crystal meth 'moving out of clubs onto UK streets' » Communities » 24dash.com

The drug crystal meth is "becoming more of a problem" and is moving out of clubs and on to the streets, the lead judge in a drugs court said today.

District Judge Justin Philips warned: "It's probably the most addictive drug that is available."

The judge sits at one of two drugs courts set up in a pilot scheme by the Department for Constitutional Affairs. His is in west London, the other is in Leeds.

It has been running for a year and he is proud of his success rate in preventing low-level offenders committing further crimes. His leadership has been described as "inspiring" by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Phillips.

District Judge Philips said today: "Crystal meth is becoming more of a problem. It's moving out of the clubs on to the streets. It is probably the most addictive drug that is available.

"It is very cheap - you can get it not far from here for £20. That gives a four- to five-hour high - but the comedown is frightening, with symptoms including paranoia, stroke, heart problems, irritability and self-harm. It can lead to a lot of violence.

"Crystal meth has been taken by people who come to the court. I know it's being taken, because everyone on a drug order is tested. A lot of them don't know they are taking it - cocaine is cut with it, skunk is being cut with it, which may be in an attempt to hook people, as it is so addictive."

The drug was re-ified as A last month in a bid to prevent it taking off.

People who use the stimulant will face up to seven years in jail and an unlimited fine, while dealers could get life behind bars.

The ultra-addictive drug produces a "high" similar to crack cocaine when it is smoked or injected, but its effects are even more damaging.

Properly known as methamphetamine, its street names include ice, crazy medicine, go-fast and Nazi crank, after an apocryphal story that Adolf Hitler injected the substance twice daily.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said when it was re-ified: "Crystal meth is a very harmful drug but fortunately it is not widespread in the UK.

"However, we know from the experiences of other countries that it has the potential to ruin the lives of individuals and their families. We cannot afford to be complacent.

"Reification is a precautionary measure that helps to ensure crystal meth does not gain a foothold in the UK."

Moving the drug to A means the police and the Serious Organised Crime Agency will make tackling it an even higher priority.