Lancaster teens ill after using contaminated vapes

Five teenagers required hospital treatment after using vapes believed to be contaminated with dangerous Class B drugs, police have said.

Lancashire Police said the youngsters were all students at schools and colleges in Lancaster and Morecambe and had become ill in recent weeks.

The vapes could contain amphetamine and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it added.

It prompted a warning by police to parents of the dangers of unregulated vapes. No arrests have yet been made.

The force said an investigation into the circumstances was underway.

Supt Craig Kelshaw said: "We are urging parents to be vigilant after a number of young people were taken ill after smoking vapes believed to contain illegal drugs.

"In recent weeks, police have become aware of several incidents across Lancaster and Morecambe, with students at some schools and colleges taken ill and requiring hospital treatment.

"The legal age to use and purchase vapes is 18, however, we know that they are being sold to young people via social media, and these are then being taken into schools and colleges."

He said: "Not only is this a health issue, but those possessing and supplying illegal drugs could be committing criminal offences.

"We are working closely with local schools and partners to share information and intelligence."

He urged anyone with information about those supplying these vapes to contact the force.

Councillor Michael Green, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for health and wellbeing, added: "We are very concerned about the latest spate of young people becoming ill after using vapes believed to have contained illegal drugs across Lancashire.

"We know that our young people are obtaining these substances often via social media and using them in school settings."

He added: "Vaping illegal and unknown substances carries significant health risks including becoming immediately unwell, loss of consciousness and even risk to life and we urge everyone to do their utmost to be vigilant and aware of the very significant dangers."

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