A 'miracle drug' which claims to cure heroin addicts in just ONE day has already been linked to four deaths. Although it can be obtained officially only on prescription, the Sunday Mercury was able to buy some for £30 on the internet. Manufacturers say Ibogaine works by instantly relieving withdrawal symptoms and suppressing cravings for heroin and cocaine. The toxic substance is so powerful that it can only be prescribed by doctors - but our reporter was able to buy a derivative of it over the internet with no questions asked. In the past, Ibogaine treatment has only been available privately at £500 a time. But the Sunday Mercury has discovered that Midland addicts are buying it illegally from an online herbalist. Now Ibogaine therapists, who offer expensive treatment programmes, are warning the DIY detox approach could kill. "It is not advisable for drug addicts to attempt an Ibogaine treatment programme on their own," one therapist said. "Everyone reacts differently to Ibogaine and it could be dangerous if you don't know what you are doing. It has been known for people to die after taking Ibogaine." It is believed four people have died from taking the drug, including one in Britain. Ibogaine is an unlicensed drug in the UK, and cannot be sold without a prescription. But despite this restriction, one UK distributor continues to sell a derivative of the drug online. Last week, the Sunday Mercury bought 10 grammes of Iboga root bark capsules for £28.98. In an e-mail exchange the webmaster told our reporter: "I am the only salesman of Iboga in England and supply it to people all over the country, including in the Midlands. "Most of my customers have been mothers who are desperate to get their kids off drugs. One of them told me she has a son who was hooked on heroin and crack. Iboga got him off the stuff." We contacted the seller later to tell him what he was doing was illegal. "I was unaware that the Department of Health said selling Ibogaine is illegal," he claimed. "Thanks for the tip. However, I only sell Ibogaine root bark so it should be OK." Last night, a spokesman for the Department of Health advised our reporter to alert the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. | 
