Gardaí in Donegal have seized €3,080 of vaping products containing suspected illegal cannabinoids in Donegal after a member of the public fell ill.
The suspected illegal substances were found during the course of searches carried out Bundoran and Donegal Town.
As a result of the ongoing investigation into the sale or supply of cannabis in the form of oil and vapes, devices and e-cigarettes in Donegal, the Divisional Drugs Unit searched a number of premises.
The searches, carried out on August 22nd last, followed on from Garda enquiries into reports of a medical incident, in which a member of the public had fallen ill.
Items seized included 66 vapes and 2 bottles of oil, containing suspected illegal cannabinoids (THC, HHC and HHCP).
The items seized are now subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI).
Gardaí are appealing for any person with information that can assist with their investigation to contact Ballyshannon Garda station on (071) 985 8530, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Backgrounder
Vapes and other products sold for public consumption, potentially infused with suspected illegal cannabinoids (THC, HHC and HHCP) can have significant negative effects, particularly where perosns may not be fully aware of the strength or potential effects of the product being consumed.
The following HSE Information on the potential effects of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) clearly highlights that “Emerging information from Irish hospitals has highlighted two case studies of regular cannabis smokers who experienced psychotic episodes as a possible result of vaping HHC.”
HSE information on hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) can be found here – Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) – Drug and Alcohol Information and Support in Ireland – Drugs.ie
Further information and guidance can be found in the following:
HSE guidance and safety advice on vaping (using e-cigarettes) can be found here – Vaping (using e-cigarettes) – HSE.ie
HSE Information on synthetic cannabinoids can be found here – Synthetic Cannabinoids – Drug and Alcohol Information and Support in Ireland – Drugs.ie
HSE information on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be found here – Cannabis jellies adulterated with synthetic cannabinoids –
Drug and Alcohol Information and Support in Ireland – Drugs.ie
Further information on cannabis is available on Garda.ie here – Is Cannabis legal? – Garda