Smart drug shop; photo - PAP

As many as 18 people have died and 304 poisoned after taking designer, or smart drugs in Poland, claims a report by the Health Ministry.

 In 2010, 304 people were hospitalized after taking the drugs which have prompted the government to crack down on shops selling previously “legal highs”.

According to Deputy Health Minister Adam Fronczak, the number of designer drug victims has fallen dramatically after the government launched its campaign at the beginning of October, however.

“Most cases were reported in the two first weeks of October,” said Fronczak, after blanket coverage of the issue in Polish media.

The Deputy Minister also revealed that as many as 18 people may have died of following taking the over-the-counter drugs but toxicological tests are being carried out to confirm the number of casualties.

The report by Health Ministry was presented in the Senate Wednesday during a debate on the amendment to a bill on the prevention of drug addiction, which is to prohibit the sale of designer drugs. (mg)