THE sex and dance culture drug crystal meth becomes a Class A drug from today in a bid to prevent it becoming an epidemic.
People who use the stimulant will face up to seven years in jail and an unlimited fine, while dealers could get life behind bars.
The ultra-addictive drug produces a high similar to crack cocaine when it is smoked or injected, but its effects are even more damaging.
Properly known as methamphetamine, its street names include ice, crazy medicine, go-fast and Nazi crank, after an apocryphal story that Adolf Hitler injected the substance twice daily.
American singer Rufus Wainwright is among the celebrities who have admitted former addictions to the synthetic drug's euphoric effects.
Home Office minister Vernon Coaker said: "Crystal meth is a very harmful drug but fortunately it is not widespread in the UK.
"However, we know from the experiences of other countries that it has the potential to ruin the lives of individuals and their families.
