POLICE have warned that taking so-called ‘legal highs’ is like “playing Russian roulette” following a week of raids in the county.

Officers have cracked down on suspected suppliers of the drugs, visiting four addresses last week, with more planned.

Four people living in Dorset, who are believed to have bought highs over the internet, have also been written to by the police.

The action began on the same day the Daily Echo revealed two dealers who supplied the drug that killed Scott Gowing-Wilks had been jailed.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Callaghan said: “Just because a substance is sold in a shop or on the internet as 'legal' does not mean it is legal or safe, and sadly there are clever people out there making a lot of money by selling drugs under the misnomer ‘legal highs’ which may in fact pose a risk to people's health.

“The reality is that many of these products either contain controlled substances which are illegal or uncontrolled substances whose side-effects cannot be predicted.”

Scott died on May 21 last year after Stuart McGill and Kyle Smith provided him with ‘Dr Death’ drug para-methoxyamphetamine, or PMA.

The 20-year-old, who was with friends James Thomas and Bradley Moss, believed he was taking a legal high.

On November 22, McGill and Smith were jailed for 12 and a half years and 10 years respectively at Bournemouth Crown Court.

DCI Callaghan added: “People selling these products are profiting on a significant scale and this campaign is about sending a clear message throughout the county as to the potential health risks from products labelled ‘legal highs’.

“It is also about educating people about the consequences of using these products. Anyone who buys such substances is playing roulette with their health and their futures. Possession of a controlled drug can lead to a criminal record which could damage job prospects and future travel plans.”

Dr William Haydock, Dorset’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team information and research officer, said: “There are a wide range of services to help Dorset residents who have drug and alcohol problems.

“Support ranges from advice and information through to structured treatment and aftercare, and includes access to support groups of people with similar experiences.”