Council and police warn of dangers of buying drugs via the Internet

Following the death of a young student after taking slimming pills, Shropshire Council’s public health team and West Mercia Police would like to remind the public of the dangers of buying drugs via the Internet.　

Professor Rod Thomson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said:

“We are extremely saddened to hear of the tragic death of Eloise Aimee Parry and our condolences go out to her family at this time.

“Often we perceive the drugs available to buy via the Internet as not harmful.  However, it is important that people remember that any drugs or substances from unregistered websites could be potentially unsafe, including those which claim to bring about improvements to the body, such as slimming pills, tanning agents, and those which claim to bulk up the body, to name a few. They can often contain substances such as 2,4-Dinitrophenol or DNP, that are not sufficiently tested or fit for human consumption. The long-term impact on the body, or the potential adverse effects on ingestion, are not known and could be fatal.

“With so many different types of image-enhancing drugs easily available online, we would strongly encourage people to take into consideration the risks of taking such drugs.

“Diet pills are no substitute for a healthy life: the best and most effective way is to adopt a balanced, healthier lifestyle.  Advice and information to help you achieve this can be found at www.healthyshropshire.co.uk.

“If you are currently using substances to enhance how you look, and you are concerned about their use, please seek help from either the local Community Substance Misuse Team on 01743 258800, or from your GP.”

If you are unsure where to dispose of unwanted drugs and substances such as DNP, please call Shropshire Council on 0345 678 9000 and ask for the public protection team.

Further information

The Community Substance Misuse Team can be contacted on 01743 258800; this service covers the whole of Shropshire, and caters for anyone aged 10 years or over who are having any issues with problematic drug or substance use.