Scots have been warned about the dangers of a new mind-altering drug which can cause powerful side effects.
The new psychoactive substance is made using the leaves of the tropical Kratom plant, which is native to Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.
It is occasionally sold over the internet using the names Biak, Ketum, Kakuam, Thom or Ithang.
The addictive substance is usually taken as a pill, capsule or extract but users have been known to chew the leaves or to brew into a tea.
The plant can also be smoked or eaten in food, similar to cannabis.
It can cause effects similar to opioids and stimulants with users reporting increased energy, sociability and alertness.
But when taken in larger amounts, Kratom can have sedative like effects.
The results of taking the drugs come on rather quickly and last between five and seven hours, although higher doses can last longer.
Reports have found that the illegal substance has several uncomfortable and dangerous consequences linked to its use.
Hallucinations, seizures, nausea, paranoid, itching and aggression are all common with rare cases even developing psychosis.
Due to its opioid-like effects, the drug is addictive and users can experience painful worrying symptoms including insomnia, aggression, muscle aches and hostility.
Kratom is a controlled substance under the New Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.
The legislation makes it an offence to produce, supply or to import/export the substance with the intention for human consumption.
