NOTE: An "MP" is about the equivalent of a representative. They are elected by constituency and serve in the house of commons.
Liverpool MP's son in Mephedrone drugs bust 14 Oct 2010 - Click Liverpool
A Liverpool MP's son suspected of dealing banned drug mephedrone across the counter has been arrested following raids at his chain of shops.
The son of Labour politician Louise Ellman, Sean, 38, was quizzed by police after officers targeted the 'Dr Hermans' North West stores for the one-time legal high.
The powder, also known as "meow-meow", "M-Cat" or "Bubble" was banned in April by the government following links to several deaths since the plant food hit shelves across the country.
Police believe the 38-year-old's firm may have been selling the synthetic stimulant after uncovering a stash of suspected class A drugs.
Officers raided company shops in Liverpool, St Helens, Warrington as well as the director's home in Manchester.
Following revelations of Mr Ellman's business activities the Liverpool MP was unavailable for comment.
But speaking earlier this year she said she "disapproved" of her son's behaviour.
Mrs Ellman said: "I can say that I totally disapprove of him selling mephedrone, but as far as I am concerned he is a 37-year-old man, and I am not in a position to interfere with his business.
"He is responsible for his own actions and decisions."
Detectives found a quantity of powder, which is understood not to be heroin, ecstasy or cocaine.
But were unable to confirm what the substance was until it had been properly tested by forensics.
Eight people were arrested and released on bail as police raided six addresses.
Superintendent Nikki Holland, of Merseyside police, said: "This operation followed concerns from members of the local community that illegal drugs were being sold at these premises.
"While some of these drugs have only recently been classified as illegal substances, the businesses concerned have previously been visited by officers to ensure that they are aware that these products could no longer be sold legally."
The news comes after student Rebecca Cardwell, 19, became the youngest person in the UK to die after taking the party drug.
An inquest at Burnley magistrates court heard how the teenager paid #5 for the powder and died in hospital three days later from acute liver failure.
Dr Herman's also sells cannabis seeds, which the stores website claims are sold as souvenirs and for research purposes only, along with highly accurate weighing equipment and cigarette rolling papers.
Mr Ellman is one of three company directors and also owns stores in Leeds and Chester.
EDIT: Another formatting error!
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"I have sworn upon the altar of god eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man" - Thomas Jefferson Legalize Meth | Drug War Victims
Edited by Green_T (10/19/10 02:15 PM)
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