MCAT warning to parents

It has the effect of cocaine or ecstasy but MCAT is perfectly legal and easy to buy.

Also known as the 'meow-meow' party drug, 'bubble', 'bounce' or mephedrone, it is sold as a plant food which is readily available online.

It comes in powder, crystal or liquid form and is either snorted or swallowed.

However MCAT is potentially lethal and already widespread among Bexhill teenagers who may be damaging their health permanently.

Sussex Police officers are saying use is on the increase and that much youth crime can be linked to youngsters needing to find money to pay for it.

Four search warrants were recently issued following a spate of thefts from parked cars and those arrested during interview admitted to using MCAT.

This trend is relatively new so it is not yet known what the longterm effects on health will be but in November a 14 year old year old, Gabrielle Price, died after taking some at a party in Brighton.

Parents are now being advised to look out for their own son or daughter having a bloody nose from snorting the powder and be aware of the fishy smell which using MCAT causes.

Inspector James Scott of Bexhill station said: "This is a legal high which seems to be spreading through Bexhill.

"It is a major concern '“ you can hear all the kids talking about it. But I'd like to say to them '“ you really don't know what you are taking, what you are snorting. These kids don't know what the effects will be '“ no-one does.

"But we will be picking up someone dead before long."

Sergeant Trish Reeve-Fowkes told the Observer that MCAT is addictive and that its use is contributing to crime in Bexhill as youngsters find ways to fund their habit.

She added: "Children as young as 14 are now becoming addicted to it."

It is hoped that MCAT will be reclassified in the next few months and then be illegal to buy, sell or use, but in the meantime she said Sussex Police would deal accordingly with young people by arresting them if necessary on suspicion of being in possession of controlled substances.

Officers have already visited Bexhill High School to discuss the use of MCAT with a group of 20 pupils and their parents.

Acting Principal Di Hawksby said: "We are working with all agencies to educate our pupils as to the effects of taking this very dangerous drug."

If any parent has concerns or wants further information about MCAT they can visit www.talktofrank.com/drugs or contact Sgt Reeve-Fowkes at Bexhill Police Station 08456070999 ext 64603.