A coroner has warned about the danger of drugs sold in head shops following the death of a young woman from an overdose of multiple drugs, including two products sold as so-called 'legal highs’.
Kildare County Coroner Prof Denis Cusack today adjourned an inquest into the death of a 19-year-old student after evidence of the date of death and the contents of toxicology reports were opened in court.
Toxicology reports received by the coroner just last week revealed the presence of three non-prescription drugs in the woman’s system, including heroin, mephedrone and butylone. Mephedrone and butylone are active substances contained in products sold legally in headshops.
Prof Cusack found the woman died on November 17th 2009 of “multiple drug toxicity”. She also had five prescription drugs in her system.
"In accordance with the functions of the Coroner's Court, I've drawn attention to the fact that this death was certainly contributed to, in terms of cause, by the taking of so-called legal high drugs. The two being mephedrone and butylone," Prof Cusack told The Irish Times.
He said he would also notify the National Advisory Committee on Drugs of the facts of the case.
Prof Cusack confirmed it was the first time he had dealt with a case where it appeared so-called headshop drugs were a contributory factor in the death.
The inquest was adjourned pending the outcome of a Garda inquiry.
Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern last week published legislation which will allow gardai to prohibit the sale of head-shop products without having immediate recourse to the courts. It is expected to be passed before the Dail summer recess.
The Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Bill is aimed at curtailing the activities of head shops and the sale of substances not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act.