A MUM who spoke out about the dangers of mephedrone believes banning the drug will make little difference.
The woman, from Mirfield, was speaking after MPs and Lords yesterday backed calls to ban the party drug and other ‘legal highs’.
She welcomed the decision but added: “I can’t see it making much difference.
“Even if it’s illegal, kids will still take it unless they can’t afford it – it’s all about the price for them, not whether or not it’s legal.
“There used to be a big problem with alcohol in Mirfield. Then they started taking mephedrone because it’s cheaper.
“But they’ve told me they’ll just got back to alcohol if they can’t afford it now.”
The Commons and Lords backed the ban after a number of deaths were linked to mephedrone, which is sold as a powder and is also known as MCAT and meow meow. One victim was North Yorkshire woman Lois Waters.
Its harmful effects are said to include a risk of heart and circulatory problems, as well as fits, paranoia and hallucinations.
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs has recommended mephedrone be categorised as a class B drug.
Enforcement will initially target dealers rather than young people found with the drug.
Penalties include a maximum prison sentence of 14 years for trafficking.
The Mirfield mum-of-two, who does not want to be named, first raised concerns about mephedrone in December.
Her 17-year-old son had been waking up with nose bleeds after taking the drug, which has a similar effect to ecstasy.
