West Berkshire pupil taken to hospital after consuming sweets thought to contain drugs

Dangerous substance alert issued after sweets sold in the district

A PUPIL in West Berkshire has been taken to hospital after consuming sweets thought to contain drugs.

West Berkshire Council has issued a dangerous substance alert following the incident, where sweets believed to contain cannabis and/or 'zombie drug' spice were purchased by local pupils.

One pupil was admitted to hospital after eating one the sweets, which were being sold for £5 each.

The sweets have so far not been tested and no information is available about the drug contained in them.

They are described as brown/green in colour and 1.5x1.0cm in size and are thought to contain cannabis/cannaboids.

Thames Valley Police responded to NewburyToday today (Thursday) saying: "We are aware of this incident and awaiting drug analysis results to identify the substances involved.

"The results of this report will determine what offences have been committed. Thames Valley Police is conducting a full investigation into this incident."

Information posted on neighbouring Slough Borough Council's website said that the incident was "probably an isolated one", however it advises people to be vigilant and watch out for any unusual activity or behaviour.

Spice is a mix of herbs and laboratory-made chemicals with mind-altering effects. It is often called 'synthetic marijuana' because some of the chemicals in it are similar to ones in marijuana.

However the effects of spice can be different from marijuana, and often much stronger.

Possible negative effects include:

. Increased heart rate

. Nausea and vomiting, feeling unwell

. Psychotic episodes

. Hallucinations

. Paranoia

. Panic attacks

. Impaired motor ability

. Violent or aggressive behaviour

. Possible overdose

West Berkshire Council has been approached for comment.