MONKEY DUST
MONKEY DUST ‘EPIDEMIC’ Fears that substance costing just £2 a hit could reach Scotland
The drug is highly addictive and unpredictable .. users display volatile, dangerous behaviour
THERE are fears that a drug known as monkey dust – which is said to “turn users into the Hulk” – could be making its way to Scotland.
Reports of the substance and its distribution and consumption are rising and police in parts of England are warning it’s turning into an “epidemic”.
Staffordshire Police have said they have dealt with 950 calls relating to monkey dust in the past three months – an average of more than 10 per day.
Chief Superintendent Jeff Moore told a local newspaper in Stoke: “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.
“The level of resource required is often far greater than we have experienced before, with some suffering the effects of use for several days.”
Last month, West Mercia Police also issued a warning about the drug’s dangers.
With fears rising that it will make its way across the Border, here is what you need to know about monkey dust and why it is harmful. WHAT IS MONKEY DUST? Monkey dust is the street name for methylenedioxy-apyrrolidinohexiophenone (MDPHP).
This is a stimulant known as cathinone and is derived from the plant khat, which is found in parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Monkey dust can be bought for as little as £2. It usually comes in a powder form and can either be injected, snorted or ingested.
West Midlands Ambulance Service have seen an increase in monkey dust related callouts since December, according to the BBC.
A spokesman for the ambulance service said: “The effect on the patient can vary considerably; our staff often treat legal high users who have suffered seizures, heart attacks and strokes.
“Some patients are left with long-term illnesses while others never wake up. Because it is impossible to tell what substances are used within the drugs, it can make it extremely difficult for our staff to provide treatment.” WHAT DOES IT DO? Monkey dust stops its users from feeling pain but it can also give them hallucinations and cause severe paranoia. Users sometimes start to believe that they are being chased and lash out at others. Staffordshire Police officer PC Rich Frost told Sky News: “When you are trying to restrain them, it’s like you are dealing with someone who thinks they are the Incredible Hulk. The strength is unbelievable.”
The drug’s effects can last for several days and some users require hospital treatment.
West Mercia Police have linked it to two men’s deaths. IS IT ILLEGAL? Yes, the Government consider synthetic cathinones as Class B drugs.
Monkey dust is also illegal in America, Australia and Canada.