13/04/2010

Mephedrone Illegal Under New Act

Mephedrone and other cathinone derivatives will become illegal as Class B drugs from Friday, following the completion of the Parliamentary process today.

Class B drugs carry a maximum prison sentence of five years for possession and a maximum prison sentence of 14 years for supplying and other trafficking offences.

Mephedrone and its related compounds were banned under recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD).

Home Secretary Alan Johnson also took immediate action earlier this month to control mephedrone's availability and reduce its harm.

"Mephedrone and its related substances have been shown to be dangerous and harmful, but it is right we waited for full scientific advice so we can take action that stops organised criminals and dealers tweaking substances to get around the law," he said.

The move came after advice from the chair of the ACMD that mephedrone and the family of cathinone derivatives are dangerous drugs and should be controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 as Class B.

The ACMD expressed concern about the harms it can have on the health and well being of users.

They cited evidence that mephedrone consumption can cause hallucinations, blood circulation problems, rashes, anxiety, paranoia, fits and delusions.

(PR/BMcC)

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