Man Treated By Guildford Police Had Taken a ‘Legal High’

Published on: 21 Mar, 2013
Updated on: 23 Mar, 2013

The Community Centre, Leapale Lane by the junction with Haydon Place (image taken in June 2012)

A man who had taken a Legal High substance “exodus” was treated by police officers in Guildford Town Centre.

Police were called to the Community Centre in Leapale Lane, Guildford yesterday (Wednesday, March 20th) at around 11am following reports that a man required medical attention. The man was taken to the Royal Surrey Hospital but he left shortly after with no further medical treatment.

Enquiries by officers indicate that the man began feeling unwell after smoking a legal substance called ‘exodus’. Police are using this incident to highlight the dangers of using legal highs as they carry a number of risks.

Temporary Superintendent Matt Goodridge said: ”Users cannot be clear what ingredients are in them and they can cause unpredictable reactions and even death in some cases. We are continuing to educate young people to make them aware of the risks associated with drugs and legal highs, but the safest way to deal with legal highs is to avoid them.”

Kevin Deanus from the Drug and Alcohol Team (DAAT), Public Health Surrey reiterated the dangers of taking illegal drugs including so-called “legal highs”. ”We urge anybody who has concerns about their drug use or know somebody who wishes to access support and treatment to contact Surrey Drug & Alcohol Care (SDAC) on 0808-802-5000. This is a 24/7 confidential helpline (free for mobiles too). These substances can kill and those who are lucky to survive often suffer long term illnesses”.