PARENTS MUST TELL CHILDREN OF DRUG DANGERS

POLICE today issued a stern warning to parents to ensure their children
steer clear of drugs - including ones prescribed by their GPs.

Four teenagers in Carrickfergus are lucky to be alive after swallowing a
prescription drug.

The four - aged 13, 14, 16 and 17 - had to be detained in hospital after
taking the prescribed drug Conjentine, medication used to treat Parkinson's
Disease.

Police heard about the incident when a concerned Eden resident contacted
them to report a young male juvenile acting strangely.

He was located by police and taken to the Mater Hospital in Belfast where
tests showed he had taken the drug.

The other cases were brought to light when concerned parents contacted
police after their children had been taken to hospital.

The boys' conditions were not life-threatening but at one stage they were
classed as 'seriously ill'.

Superintendent Jim Nairn of Carrick RUC said the teenagers were extremely
lucky to be alive and that the incident highlighted the naivety of young
people in consuming drugs.

He said a man had been interviewed in relation to the source of the drug
and inquiries were continuing as it is suspected that other young people
may be involved.

A spokesperson for the Northern Health and Social Services Board added:
"All prescription drugs should be treated with great care since most can
cause serious symptoms or even be life-threatening if taken inappropriately."

Local Assembly members Roy Beggs said it was important that young people
were made aware of the dangers of experimenting with any type of drug and
be made to realise that they are putting both their health and lives at risk.

He urged anyone with information about illegal drugs in the Carrickfergus
area to pass it on to the RUC either by contacting the local station or by
using the freephone Crimestoppers number - 0800-555111.

Alternatively, people can call the police drugs line 0800 337755 in
complete confidence.