DEADLY 'CURE' FOR JUNKIES

A 'miracle drug' which claims to cure heroin addicts in just ONE day has
already been linked to four deaths.

Although it can be obtained officially only on prescription, the Sunday
Mercury was able to buy some for UKP 30 on the internet.

Manufacturers say Ibogaine works by instantly relieving withdrawal symptoms
and suppressing cravings for heroin and cocaine.

The toxic substance is so powerful that it can only be prescribed by
doctors - but our reporter was able to buy a derivative of it over the
internet with no questions asked.

In the past, Ibogaine treatment has only been available privately at UKP
500 a time.

But the Sunday Mercury has discovered that Midland addicts are buying it
illegally from an online herbalist.

Now Ibogaine therapists, who offer expensive treatment programmes, are
warning the DIY detox approach could kill.

"It is not advisable for drug addicts to attempt an Ibogaine treatment
programme on their own," one therapist said.

"Everyone reacts differently to Ibogaine and it could be dangerous if you
don't know what you are doing. It has been known for people to die after
taking Ibogaine."

It is believed four people have died from taking the drug, including one in
Britain.

Ibogaine is an unlicensed drug in the UK, and cannot be sold without a
prescription. But despite this restriction, one UK distributor continues to
sell a derivative of the drug online.

Last week, the Sunday Mercury bought 10 grammes of Iboga root bark capsules
for UKP 28.98.

In an e-mail exchange the webmaster told our reporter: "I am the only
salesman of Iboga in England and supply it to people all over the country,
including in the Midlands.

"Most of my customers have been mothers who are desperate to get their kids
off drugs. One of them told me she has a son who was hooked on heroin and
crack. Iboga got him off the stuff."

We contacted the seller later to tell him what he was doing was illegal.

"I was unaware that the Department of Health said selling Ibogaine is
illegal," he claimed. "Thanks for the tip. However, I only sell Ibogaine
root bark so it should be OK."

Last night, a spokesman for the Department of Health advised our reporter
to alert the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.