BZP is also known as “Legal E” or ‘Party Pill’. It is a synthetic stimulant drug with the chemical name benzylpiperazine. A 50-200 mg dose of BZP can lead to a sense of increased alertness, while the sense of taste, sound and colour may be enhanced. Such effects can last between four to eight hours, depending on the amount taken, the user’s mood, metabolism and environment. Users report an inability to sleep for as long as ten hours after the effects have subsided. BZP can leave users with symptoms similar to a hangover, such as headache, fatigue, reduced appetite and nausea. There is also a possibility of slight memory loss. Tolerance to the substance develops, which means the user increasingly needs more to get the same effect. This is a dangerous addictive drug and is seen as a window drug for harder drugs, said Cllr. Keena.
This substance was sold openly in Head Shops in Athlone and throughout the country before the ban last week. For instance, in the Athlone shops there would have been up to 20 products for sale containing the BZP chemical, he said.
About 7 months ago a fifteen year old teenager informed Jim Henson, Treasurer ADAG, about the availability of these pills. Jim brought the matter to our Group’s attention and following on from that we started the campaign.
The Gardai could not do anything about it as there was a legal loophole to sell them.
I undertook the role to lobby the Government Ministers and in particular Minister John Curran who has special responsibility for Drugs, said Cllr. Frankie Keena while my colleague Jim Henson lobbied Eamonn Gilmore TD and Willie Penrose TD.
I also want to thank the all party support that I received on this matter when I raised a debate on it at a recent County Council meeting, added Cllr. Keena.
I am absolutely thrilled with the outcome but it is important to note that the lobbying will not stop here, as there is a fear that an alternative chemical may be introduced that would have the same dangerous effects. Therefore special legislation needs to be introduced to address these anomalies for good, said Cllr Keena.
The Treasurer of the Group, Jim Henson urged all parents to be ever vigilant of the vulnerability of young people to unscrupulous dealers and is thankful that Athlone is a safer place from this type of drug this week. He gave an open invitation to all parents to contact the Athlone Drug Awareness Group if they have any concerns in relation to any drugs issues.
