Police urge anyone in possession of mephedrone to dispose of it before ban (From York Press)
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This campaign by The Press intends to make the drug mephedrone illegal.
The drug, commonly known as bubbles, meow, meow or M-CAT, which can cost as little as £3 a dose, is becoming increasingly popular among young people in North and East Yorkshire, but its effects can be devastating.
Phone Jennifer Bell at The Press on 01904 653051 ext 315 or email jennifer.bell@thepress.co.uk for further details.
Police urge anyone in possession of mephedrone to dispose of it before ban
10:55am Wednesday 14th April 2010 in
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- By Jennifer Bell » jennifer.bell@thepress.co.uk
POLICE have issued a last chance warning for anyone who is in possession of the danger drug mephedrone to dispose of it before it is banned.
From Friday mephedrone will be classified as a class B drug, with dealers facing up to 14 years in prison and users facing five years behind bars.
North Yorkshire Police are now urging anyone in possession of the substance to hand it in to their local police station before the new law takes effect.
Detective Inspector Matt Walker, of North Yorkshire Police’s Organised Crime Unit, said: “I am encouraging anyone who is in possession of mephedrone to hand it in to the police as soon as possible, and in any event, before midnight on Friday 16 April 2010, otherwise they expose themselves to the risk of prosecution.
“People will not be required to give their name, as at this time they are not in possession of an illegal substance.
“If individuals who possess the drug are not comfortable with taking it to their local police station then please dispose of it responsibly.
“North Yorkshire Police is aware of the risks that substances like Mephedrone pose. With the illegal classification in place, measures will be taken to disrupt its distribution and bring dealers and those using this substance to justice.”
He said that police will also be working closely with partner agencies to educate people about the risks associated with mephedrone which has been linked to a number of deaths around the country.
News that Home Secretary Alan Johnson outlawed the drug came only hours after The Press handed in a petition to 10 Downing Street following ten weeks of campaigning for the drug to be banned.
The government has already banned Mephedrone, which is also known as meow meow, MCAT or bubbles, from being imported into the UK.
Anyone who would like advice about mephedrone can contact the Drugs Action Team on (01347) 825100.
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