A TEENAGER who got caught up in taking drugs died after smoking heroin. Chrysostomos Gennaris was only 19 when he was discovered not breathing after a night taking heroin at his flat in Sussex Way, Holloway. Last Wednesday, an inquest at St Pancras Corone

A TEENAGER who got caught up in taking drugs died after smoking heroin.

Chrysostomos Gennaris was only 19 when he was discovered not breathing after a night taking heroin at his flat in Sussex Way, Holloway.

Last Wednesday, an inquest at St Pancras Coroner's Court heard that he had 300mcg per litre of the opiate in his bloodstream - when just 120mcg per litre can be fatal.

Chrysostomos' grieving family have now warned other teenagers to stay away from drugs.

His mother Frosoulla Gennaris said outside court: "We are all devastated. He was a lovely boy and he was always smiling. The room used to light up when he walked in. He was so jokey and loud. But he ended up mixing with the wrong crowd.

"I didn't know that he had been taking cocaine or heroin otherwise I would have tried to help. I saw him the night before he died and I had no idea he was in that kind of world. I believe he had only just started trying heroin and cocaine.

"He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends. This is a tragedy for all of us. To other teenagers - I would warn them to stay away from drugs and be careful of the company they keep.

"To other parents - I would warn them to keep an eye on their kids."

Coroner Gail Elliman recorded a verdict of misuse of drugs.

She said: "He was found unconscious on 5 July and was taken to The Whittington where death was confirmed at 12.23pm. I am quite satisfied that there was absolutely nothing intentional in the cause of death.