Cllr Frankie Keena with packages containing ‘synthetic cannabinoids’ that were purchased in Athlone. He is encouraging people to attend a drugs information event in the Radisson hotel next Tuesday evening, November 12.

Drug awareness event to take place in Athlone on Tuesday

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A major drug awareness information event is set to take place in the Radisson Hotel, Athlone, this Tuesday, November 12, at 8pm.

The event, which has been organised by Jackie Gorman, in association with the Athlone Drug Awareness Group, is part of the Midlands Science Festival.

It comes after concerns were highlighted recently about the availability of synthetic cannabinoids for sale in retail outlets in Athlone.

Commenting on Tuesday’s event, the chairperson of the Athlone Drug Awareness Group, Cllr Frankie Keena, said: “If you are a parent worried about the prevalence of drugs throughout our community, worried about the amount of open drug dealing visible on our streets, or worried about the availability for purchase of HHC-laced jelly sweets in some retail shops, then you need to attend this.”

At a council meeting last month, Cllr Keena brought in packages of “jellies and sweets” containing synthetic cannabinoids.

He said the products were currently being sold legally, but that they posed “serious” public health risks.

“It is of serious concern to me, and to parents as well, that these particular products are available in some of our shops in town,” he said.

The theme for next Tuesday’s event is 'Drug Use in Ireland – Science, Society & Solutions'.

It will feature a panel of guest speakers such as Dr Craig Slattery from UCD, Sean Kinsella, an expert by experience who shares his own personal story, and Sergeant Andrew Haran of Athlone Garda Station.

"The fact that we now have synthetic cannabinoid jelly sweets laced with HHC legally available in some shops should be raising a red flag in the mind of parents," commented Cllr Keena.

"The marketing and packaging of these HHC jelly sweets are targeted towards children, so I urge people to come along and learn the facts."

This is a free event, and registration is advised in advance at: www.midlandsscience.ie.

Light refreshments will be available on the night.

The event is part of the Midlands Science Festival, which is supported by the Research Ireland Discover Programme as part of national Science Week.

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