THIS is the new drug at the centre of a potentially deadly craze – and it is perfectly legal.

Now as fears rise among police, teachers, drugs workers, MPs and doctors about the soaring use of mephedrone, known as “bubbles”, “M-Cat” or “meow meow”, The Press is today calling for it to be outlawed.

The drug is said to give a similar high to ecstasy.

Police have said seizures of the drug in York have even outstripped those of cocaine.

In the last few weeks:

•A young man collapsed in York and his heart stopped after taking the drug. He had to be brought back to life by paramedics

•York Hospital said it had dealt with a surge in admissions of people who had taken the “legal highs”

•The head of a school in East Yorkshire described his shock after a pupil collapsed and was rushed to hospital after taking the drug.