STUDENTS celebrating the end of the exam season in Hampshire are being warned to stay clear of potentially lethal legal drugs.

So-called “legal highs” hit the headlines earlier this year following a spate of deaths linked to mephedrone or MCAT, now a banned class B drug.

But many are still available in shops and over the internet, including those known as Sparkle, MDAI and NRG-1.

Acting superintendent Alison Scott, of Hampshire Constabulary, said: “Many people wrongly assume these drugs are harmless because it is legal to buy them, however the effects are unpredictable for each person.”

Dr Iain Maclennan, consultant in public health at NHS Hampshire, said the chemicals contained in the drugs were not tested for safety.

He said: “By taking them, you risk death or serious organ damage. People often have no idea what they are actually taking because the substance is not labelled correctly, so your decision to experiment with these drugs could have terrible consequences.

“They are poisons and, as such, their effects are highly unpredictable, especially when taken with other chemicals or alcohol.”

Anyone concerned with drug use, whatever the drug, is urged to contact the local drug service, in confidence.Details can be found by visiting hantsdaatdirectory.org.uk.