Anecdotal evidence grows of drug's prevalence on UK streets, while police in south Wales issue warning to parents and schools.
Concerns over the dramatic rise in the use of mephedrone are intensifying as drug workers report seeing more children abusing the drug.
In the last few days police in south Wales, where figures issued last month show offences linked to mephedrone use had increased by more than 400% in 12 months, have issued warnings to parents and schools after a 15-year-old boy was taken to hospital following use of the illegal drug.
Growing anecdotal evidence coming from those working to help people with addictions suggests that the stimulant, which is cheap and easily obtained, is being used by younger people as it becomes increasingly prevalent on Britain's streets.
Workers at the drug charity Turning Point are working with one girl in Maidenhead, Berkshire, who became hooked on mephedrone at the age of 12 after being introduced to it by her 14-year-old sister. At first scared by her sister's drug use, the girl was persuaded to try it.
"I had never done drugs before and I remember the adrenaline running through my body. My heart started racing with excitement and nerves. I fainted and remember my sister holding me up. A few seconds later I got up and felt amazing. Because I was a gymnastic I started doing flips everywhere and was having the time of my life. I did more and more, so I can't remember the rest until I got home.
"My sister and her friends hadn't warned me about the comedown and I was crying my eyes out, feeling like I wanted to die."
