DRUG experts are telling Blackburn clubgoers to stop taking so called 'safe' herbal drugs which have become widespread throughout the county.

Known as herbal highs, the pills have similar effects to illegal amphetamines and hallucinogens, and until recently, they were sold in trendy stores to clubbers who believed they were a safe alternative to the class A drugs.

But, in the wake of new evidence from America - which suggests various adverse side effects for people taking the drug - the Government has placed the drugs under the Medicines Act.

This makes it illegal to sell or supply the drug without a licence, which costs several thousand pounds.

However, a legal loophole means it is not illegal to be in possession of the herbal tablets, known on the market as Herbal Ecstasy, Wild Lettuce and Scullcap.

Research in America says the herbal drugs can cause strokes, liver failure and cancer, making them a lot less than safe, according to Ian Phillips of the Lancashire Drug Action Team

He said: "These drugs are like illegal hallucinogens and amphetamines drugs in that they distort perception.

"There is some proof the drug can cause cardiac vascular problems and react with other prescribed drugs, especially anti-depressants.

"Unfortunately, many people seem to think they are safer to take and believe there are no side effects."

The active ingredient in the drug is ephedra, which has been blamed for causing 15 deaths in America. Sometimes ephedra is substituted for other ingredients in the herbal pills. One brand of the highs contains an opium substitute, made from wild lettuce extracts, which can be lethal.

Mr Phillips added: "The problem will now be stamping it out entirely, which will take time because it will be sold on the streets." Kath Talboys, of the Preston-based Drugline said: "I think the main problem is we don't know what is in them so it's hard to predict the side effects."

Det Sgt Paul Edmondson, of Lancashire police's drugs team, said: "We will be working in co-operation with the Medicine Control Agency to enforce the new rules."

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