Black Mamba Forces Padley Centre Crackdown

Staff at a Derby homeless charity have mounted a zero-tolerance crackdown on Black Mamba use after problems caused by the drug reached a crisis point.

The Padley Centre says it kicked out five clients who were staying in its hostel because they were using the synthetic substance that sends many users into a zombie-like state.

Staff say that users were urinating, vomiting, and lying around on the floor, with staff needing to spend lengthy periods dealing with them. On many occasions ambulances needed to be called.

So in January they implemented a zero-tolerance policy meaning that users are now kicked out of the centre and the police are informed.

Larry Waller, chief executive of the Becket Street centre, said:

"We came to a point in January where we couldn't cope with the amount of problems associated with the drug. When we come across it we do tell the police because we very clearly want to put the message out there that we do not tolerate it at all.

"I asked one bloke why he did it. It affects everyone differently. He wasn't turned into a gibbering wreck - he was just very quiet and still. He said, 'it just takes me away for a bit'. He didn't say much else. So, there's no way you can inform someone when you can't tell them the negative effects."

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The Johnson Partnership

Drug Offence Solicitors