Police warn of dangers over potentially fatal ‘space cadet’ legal high

POLICE have issued a new warning about the potentially fatal legal high ‘vertex’.

The drug, also known as ‘space cadet’, is advertised as a type of incense and has led to people being hospitalised and in need of urgent treatment across Europe.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Roberts, of Cheshire Police, said the drug has been found on sale in Cheshire.

He said: “This has become an increasingly worrying trend that has seen us respond to a number of incidents in the county, particularly over recent days. In light of the laboratory analysis I would advise anyone supplying, using or considering using Vertex to stop immediately before it’s too late.”

Symptoms include profuse sweating, racing heartbeat, extreme muscle tension, delirious ranting and a very high body temperature.

If any person is showing signs of these symptoms, dial 999 and ask for immediate medical assistance.

Steph Cordon, Cheshire East Council’s head of communities, said: “Young people think so-called legal highs are a safe option but there have been nearly 200 deaths in England associated with these substances.”