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By Kate Sikora
June 12, 2009 12:00am
IT is a designer version of cocaine that has taken hold of the drug scene overseas and now it has surfaced in Australia.
Known as MCAT, the soft white odourless powder is the synthetic version of crack cocaine.
Users describe the form of methylmethcathinone as being like cocaine and ecstasy, giving off a euphoric feeling.
The Daily Telegraph has learned the drug is appearing in "small quantities" on Sydney's streets among the well-heeled who usually take cocaine.
NSW Police have seized small quantities of the drug from Kings Cross and Byron Bay.
Drug squad head Detective Inspector Nick Bingham said a large seizure had occurred last year in Queensland, where it was being sold as legal ecstasy.
"While methylmethcathinone is said to be an alternative to (ecstasy), the effects are more similar to that of methylamphetamine (ice/speed)," he said.
It is sold by the gram like cocaine for much the same price.
The active ingredient is methcathinone, harvested from the African plant khat, but it is mixed with other harmful substances.
Victoria's Burnett Institute researcher and pharmacist Fabian Kong said small amounts were being used by addicts.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25624456-953,00.html