Youngsters hooked on legal killer drug

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Seizures, hallucinations, paranoia and depression. Just four of the serious and frightening side effects of Mephedrone, a legal substance that is currently sweeping the province, leaving a wake of addicts in its path.

Dealers across Ards are targeting the under 18s, offering 'hits' for as little as £5. Lured by the easy availability, affordability and legality of the 'legal high', young people are getting hooked on the drug, which is as lethal as cocaine.

There have been a number of reported deaths in the UK in the past few weeks linked to the used of Mephedrone, and in a plea to local parents, representatives of Ards PSNI have called on local parents to act before it's too late.

One parent this week told the Chronicle of their distress at watching their 18 year old's life deteriorate in front of them, as a result of Mephedrone addiction.

The parent, who wishes to remain anonymous to protect their child's identity, said: "In the space of just a few months I have watched his personality change to the point where I feel as if I don't know him any more. He has dropped out of college, had to give up a part-time job, everything has just fallen away. We used to be so close and now I just can't trust him any more. I worry all the time about where he is and find out that he has lied to me in order to go out and buy more Mephedrone.

"The physical symptoms are terrifying. The weight has fallen off him, as he hardly eats. He shakes, he looks dreadful, but it's the mental effects that are the worst. He has terrible anxiety attacks, is constantly depressed and weepy, it's dreadful to watch. I worry about what will happen - if he will be driven to attempt suicide. And even if he stops taking the drug altogether, how long will these metal problems last? They could never go away, we just don't know."

The parent made this appeal to others: "If you suspect at all that your child is taking drugs do something quick. I saw his mood change. He was grumpy, tired and irritable. I know a lot of teenagers are like this, but it was more unusual. I went through his room one day when he was at college and found several packets of the powder. I didn't know what it was, cocaine or what. I had never even heard of Mephedrone before. He tried to tell me when I confronted him that it was nothing, it was legal. But rat poison is legal, to kill rats, but you don't go around eating it."

Sergeant David Lindsay told the Chronicle the PSNI is faced with difficulties policing the drug, as it is not illegal, however, they were treating the growing problem of Mephedrone as a priority: "There is no doubt that Ards, like many other areas of the UK, is experiencing a rise in the use of this substance. What is particularly worrying is that both young people and parents still seem unaware of just how lethal it can be. It can kill. It can cause serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts, hallucinations and depression, as well as serious physical symptoms.

"Parents may not be as concerned about this substance, as they would others, because it is legal, but what I want to say to them is: 'would you be concerned if you thought your child was taking cocaine?' Well, this is as serious as that, so if you are at all worried you need to do something about it before it's too late."

The police in Ards have already carried out operations on premises known to be 'dealing' the drug within Newtownards. However, it is difficult to charge dealers in connection with the drug, as it is not illegal. It only becomes an offence if it is proved that it is being sold for human consumption.

Mephedrone, also known as Meow or M-CAT, is used as a plant fertilizer and comes in the form of a white powder or tablet. It is easily obtained, making it all the more dangerous. Like cocaine, it can be taken in a number of ways. It creates a feeling of euphoria, alertness and talkativeness; however, as the effects wear off it causes other side effects such as heart palpitations, nose bleeds, fits and long lasting psychological consequences, including depression, paranoia, anxiety and even psychotic episodes.

Don Bradley, Assistant Director of Mental Health with the Eastern Trust, told the Chronicle: "We have had a number of people referred for treatment for mental health problems and the background of it has been Mephedrone. I am also aware that there has been a slight increase also in the number of people presenting at the A&E in the Ulster Hospital and other psychatric services where Mephedrone has been a factor.

"It must be understood that this is a very lethal and potent drug and can cause very serious problems. It also causes physical symptoms which parents should be on the look out for. If they find out that their child is using the drug their first point of contact should be their GP."

Full report in this week's Chronicle.