Infamous drug monkey dust which has been rife in prisons and the impact is often seen on the streets of the country where people are turned into ‘zombies’ could be reclassified as a Class A substance. It is available for as little as £2 a wrap and is frequently a big problem for homeless people.
It can reduce people to a semi comatose state, or bring on violent rages, paranoia, and there have been instances of victims jumping off buildings or eating glass, the BBC has reported. Also known as ‘Zombie dust’ and ‘Cannibal dust’, it is a synthetic drug that sends people into violent and psychotic episodes.
It comes as an off-white powder, which can be swallowed, injected or snorted. It is from a set of drugs known as cathinones, and whilst it is a man-made drug, cathinones include a natural stimulant called khat.
It is already banned in America, and now the UK government is reportedly looking at raising the Class of the drug to impose bigger penalties for those who deal in it. Stoke-on-Trent has been badly hit by the epidemic of use, and as a result has seen a big rise in users and related crimes, including arson.
Stoke-on-Trent South MP Jack Brereton says he is pleased the government is taking action. He said: “It’s a hallucinogenic drug, and many people’s lives have been completely destroyed as a result of taking this drug.
“There is no treatment for those who become addicted - and it is very addictive. For those who succumb to it, it’s very profound. It’s so cheaply available, it’s cheaper than the price of alcohol and people are able to just pick it up readily. We need to see reclassification and put the consequences up for those who are pushing this drug.”
According to Mr Brereton, a hit can cost as little as £2 to buy on the street.
Policing Minister Chris Philp said: “These synthetic drugs ruin lives, families and neighbourhoods. Made in labs and pumped into our communities, our drug laws must keep pace with their evolution.”
Chief Superintendent Jeff Moore from Staffordshire police has previously said: “The drug is highly addictive and highly unpredictable, meaning emergency services can often struggle to provide the appropriate treatment to those under the influence.
“Every user acts differently, displaying behaviour that is volatile and dangerous to both the user and emergency services personnel responding.”
