A warning following the police's seizure of illegal "spice" vape juice as part of an ongoing investigation

Parents and carers in the Selby area have been urged to keep young people safe from a vape-version of a potentially harmful drug known as ‘spice’.

Sergeant Jack Waterton, from the Selby Neighbourhood Policing Team, seized 18 bottles of vape liquid from a 17-year-old boy in the town on the evening of Friday 6 October 2023.

He was acting on information suggesting children as young as 12 were being supplied with vapes containing drugs.

The substance was sent off for testing and the results have now confirmed them to be synthetic cannabinoids.

Synthetic Cannabinoids are lab made therefore the potency and effects can be a lot greater to anyone using them.

As experienced in other parts of the country, the use of ‘spice’ is associated with severe health problems and can be life-threatening.

The 17-year-old boy has now been arrested on suspicious of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.

Following questioning in custody, he was released under investigation while enquiries continue.

• If you have any information to assist, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 4, and speak to the Force Control Room
• If you would prefer to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or make an online report
• Please quote reference number 12230191466 when providing details

Sgt Waterton said:

“This is clearly a very concerning emerging issue in the Selby area. We are working closely with public health and other community partners to ensure the supply and use of such potentially harmful illegal substances is halted at the earliest opportunity.

“We are grateful for any information about suspected drug-related crime and this investigation shows the decisive action we take, including the initial seizure of the substances, the testing and now the arrest.

“While the investigation is ongoing, we urge parents and carers to be extra vigilant about young people using vapes and to be fully aware of what they may contain.”

Gill Kelly, Consultant in Public Health, North Yorkshire, said:

“We would like to reinforce that e-cigarettes are a product designed to help people addicted to nicotine to quit smoking for good. They are not intended for those people who have never smoked.

“Additionally, not all vapes contain regulated levels of nicotine, or even nicotine itself, but may be filled with substances that may cause harm.”

Information, advice and support

If you would like to know more about substances, including the effects of vaping drugs, please take a look at the North Yorkshire Harm Reduction website www.DrinkDrugHub.co.uk.

You will find helpful information and advice here: What's in your vape? - Drink Drug Hub 

If you or someone you know would like support to address their substance use, please contact:

• Adults - North Yorkshire Horizons North Yorkshire Horizons - Adult Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service. We're rated Outstanding by the CQC. Call us on 01723 330730 (nyhorizons.org.uk)
• Young People - North Yorkshire Rise NY Rise – Humankind (humankindcharity.org.uk) 08000 14 14 80.