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Mine workers find new legal high

A new version of the synthetic drug known as Venom is on WA streets and is being favoured by mine workers, according to a retailer.

A Perth tobacco retailer, who did not want to be named, said he had heard several stories about the drug being produced as a cottage industry by people who imported the chemicals from China.

The drug was proving popular with mine workers in places like Karratha and Geraldton because it could not be detected in drug tests.

“It’s like the next generation of Kronic,” he said.

“God knows what’s in it.”

The tobacco retailer, who also sells smoking pipes, said customers had asked for Venom but the retailer did not sell it.

Opposition Leader Mark McGowan blamed the Barnett government for its “band-aid solution” to synthetic drugs, saying it continued to play catch-up with drug manufacturers.\

The State Government last year listed several synthetic cannabis products, including Kronic, Voodoo and Mango Kush, as illegal substances.

But new, legal versions are constantly being developed.

Mr McGowan said the Government should have had a clear, long term strategy to deal with legal highs.