A training scheme for school heads focusing on designer drugs has been launched in southern Poland.

The aim is to instruct school authorities and teachers on how to deal with pupils who experiment with psychoactive substances.

Spokeswoman for the Katowice educational department, Anna Wietrzyk explained to Polish Radio that “the training will be conducted by police officers, people from the local drug addiction centre, specialists in training teachers – all with a sound knowledge of the subject.”

The Polish government has declared a war on designer drugs, which were sold over the counter in Poland, after a recent spate of reports on death among their young users. Specialists fear that now most of the trade will be done over the internet. (kk/jb)