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M-cat regularly used in Sunderland nightspots
Deadly drug meow meow is regularly used in Sunderland nightspots, the Echo can today reveal.
Wearsiders are paying 9.70 per gram for the legal powder mephedrone – also known as meow, meow or M-cat – usually sold as plant feed.
Two people are reported to have been taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital after taking the drug.
'I took M-cat and this is how it felt'
Stark warnings over the dangers of the latest craze, which hit national headlines when a number of people died after taking the drug, have failed to put a stop to revellers using the legal powder to get high.
In November, Durham Police issued warnings over the drug when a user ripped off his scrotum, believing centipedes were crawling all over him after suffering 18 hours of hallucinations.
To date, a further four people across the county have also been admitted to hospital for treatment after suffering serious reactions to the substance, sparking calls for it to be banned.
A number of Wearsiders have contacted the Echo to say the drug is being used in clubs across the region, often in conjunction with other, illegal narcotics.
Although meow meow is not illegal to buy, it is illegal for it to be sold for the purposes of human consumption.
Durham MP Helen Goodman said: "As long as it remains legal young people are more likely to use it and police are less able to tackle the problem."
With no laws governing the sale of the drug, Wearsiders can easily get their hands on the readily available "legal" high at the touch of a button.
A simple Internet search flags up hundreds of sites selling mephedrone as a form of plant fertilizer.
For as little as 9.70, they will deliver one gram – guaranteed to be 97.7 per cent pure – with free next day delivery to your door. Prices also fall with the bigger the bulk bought.
Sunderland police have said there have been no specific reports of sale or use across the city but have pledged to take a tough stance against those who do.
A spokesman said: "We are not aware of this being an issue specific to Sunderland.
"It is illegal to sell, supply or advertise these substances, including mephedrone also called bubble love, for human consumption.
"Northumbria Police will robustly tackle any shops which sell this substance for personal use.
"Police are keen to raise awareness of the dangers of consuming these substances, which often contain potentially dangerous chemicals and can cause death.
"Other symptoms range from reduced inhibitions, drowsiness, excited or paranoid states, unconsciousness and seizures.
"These risks are increased if mixed with alcohol or other stimulants."
The drug has already been banned in several countries, including Norway, Finland, Denmark, Germany and Sweden, but remains legal in the UK.
The Advisory Council on Misuse of Drugs has pledged to look at the drug as a "matter of urgency" and the Homes Office is awaiting the outcome of a report into the problem, expected at the end of this year.
TWO people are reported to have been taken to hospital in Sunderland after taking mephedrone in separate incidents.
Will Semple, who works with drug users at The Ark in Horden, said he has seen use of the substance quickly spread over the last four weeks.
Mr Semple said dealers are mixing it with MDMA, which is in the party drug Ecstasy.
He also said a 37-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man in Horden were taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital after taking the drug.
"The drug is rife in Horden, Peterlee and Easington and it has been popular on the streets in the last four or five weeks."
He said: "What worries me about this drug is that people lose all of their inhibitions and are very easy to persuade to do things on it.
"It is very addictive and the dealers are really rubbing their hands about this stuff."
The County Durham Drug and Alcohol Action Team also warned of the dangers of the drug.
Manager Darren Archer said: "Its something that we are becoming more and more aware of.
"What we are finding is that mainly young people are using it around the region and it seems to appeal to them for a number of reasons.
"Firstly, it can be bought quite cheaply. It's also legal, that means in their head that its safe, but the big concern is that they don't know what's in it and it can be mixed with all sorts of things.
"The stuff sold on the street could even be mixed with other drugs like heroin and cocaine."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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