Drug problem on Gold Coast expands to mephedrone which is now cheaper than ice

Authorities on the Gold Coast are seeing a highly toxic drug filter into the market — now cheaper than ice — and it’s having a devastating effect on users and their children.

THE resurgence of a highly toxic drug — now cheaper than ice — is having a devastating effect on users and their children.

Gary Poole, regional director of ACT for Kids in Southern Queensland, warned about the grave danger of mephedrone, which causes hallucinations, hypertension and can lead to death.

“This is a dangerous, chemical drug, apparently now being used on the Gold Coast with reported, terrible effects on users and subsequently, their children,” he said.

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Mephedrone seized by police. Pic Queensland Police.

“In the past six weeks, mephedrone use is being reported for the first time by our case workers dealing with child protection issues.

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“We have three families affected by this drug and I’ve spoken to other agencies, who say they are also starting to pick up mephedrone cases.”

Mr Poole warned the amphetamine was having a devastating effect on local families.

“Parents who use this drug are potentially dangerous to their kids and we’re seeing grandparents or other relatives stepping in to care for these children because they’re not safe,” he said.

Mr Poole said mephedrone was much cheaper than ice and thus appealed to those who used methamphetamines.

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Mephedrone (aka meow, bubbles) powder.

“Overseas, it has been referred to as ‘bath salts’ and it can cause aggressive and bizarre behaviour. Some local family members have told us it causes premature grey hair in users,” he said.

“It contains very toxic chemicals and why people would take it is beyond my comprehension. Best advice to recreational drug users would be to not even touch it or go near it.”

He cited the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, which describes mephedrone as having psychostimulant and hallucinogenic effects, similar to those of cocaine.

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“Data suggests that the abuse of mephedrone remains a public health issue,” the review warns. “Dosages which supposedly fall within recreational use limits, can also lead to death when combined with other drugs in certain circumstances.”

A police source said Gold Coast police were aware of the drug and were treating it as they would any other illicit substance.

“We’re working hard to police the drug scene on the Gold Coast and if we find there are any new trends, we do all we can to put a dent in them,” he said.

“Mephedrone is a form of amphetamine and we are seeing a bit of it on the street, but not as much as things like ice and MDMA.”

If you know anything about drug crime on the Coast, phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.