YOUNG people are being warned about the risks of taking a new 'legal-high' drug which is becoming increasingly popular across Deeside.
Mephedrone, known as Mcat, is cheaply sold over the internet as plant food but when snorted or swallowed is said to give users an 'ecstasy-like experience'.
A worried mother contacted The Piper this week to voice her concerns about the drug, whic
h she says is widely used in Aboyne, Alford and Banchory.
The Deeside mother, who did not wished to be named, said her 17-year-old son has been using the drug for six months.
She said: "The drug is very cheap and very easy to get. It is a difficult problem for the police to deal with because you can buy it legally. It shouldn't be legal in my opinion. According to my son, about three-quarters of his friends have taken it and it is becoming more and more common.
"It is devastating for me as a parent because I don't really know what I'm dealing with. The information isn't out there as it is for drugs like cocaine or ecstasy. However this is becoming a real problem in our area and we need to do something about it."
Grampian Police officers raised the issue of young people using the drug at January's meeting of Banchory Community Council.
Substance misuse co-ordinator, Inspector Andy Imray, said: "It is important to know the dangers associated with taking any substance and also what is contained within any legal or illegal substance.
"This applies especially when these are supplied or obtained from other sources which may not be reputable and cannot guarantee its content or subsequent effect.
"There is heightened risk associated with substance misuse and these risks increase when taken with alcohol and other substances."
A gram of Mephedrone can be purchased online with a simple click of a mouse for around £7 or less (one gram equals about five 'doses').
Last month, 14-year-old Gabrielle Price died after taking a suspected drug cocktail including Mephodrone at a house party in Brighton.
The drug has been banned from a number of European countries, including Sweden, Norway and Finland, after being linked to a string of deaths.
Possible side-effects from taking the drug include paranoia, hallucinations, severe panic attacks, headaches, palpitations, cold and blue fingers, over-stimulation of the heart and nervous system, and severe nosebleeds.
Little is known about the possible long term effects using the drug could have.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said they would continue to work closely with the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency to develop a collaborative approach to the problem of these drugs based on education and prevention.
He added: "We recognise the significant risk and harm associated with so-called 'legal highs' and have expanded our drug awareness campaign 'Know the Score' appropriately. We will continue to provide honest advice on drugs via our website and 24-hour dedicated helpline."
Mcat, the street name for Mephodrone, is also known as Meph, Meow, Magic and Plant Food and is most commonly sold in white powder or crystal form. It is sold as plant food via the internet and is illegal under medicines legislation to sell, supply or advertise for human consumption.
