What is monkey dust?

MONKEY dust is a horrific synthetic drug that makes users eat glass and run into roads.

Here's everything you need to know about the Class B drug.

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What is Monkey dust?

Officially known as a cathinone, monkey dust also goes by the name of MDPV or Methylone.

It comes in a yellowish-white powder, which can be snorted, eaten or injected.

The drug was first synthesised by a team at German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim in the 1960s.

"Dust" was originally sold over the internet as a "legal" alternative to cocaine, speed and ecstasy.

The drug was readily available at US petrol stations, bookshops and convenience stores before it was outlawed in 2012 by Barack Obama.

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What is monkey dust made of?

Monkey dust is made of chemicals that are similar to naturally occurring cathinone.

Cathinone was discovered in the 1970s in the leaves of the khat bush, which grows in East Africa.

In contrast, monkey dust is developed in a lab and is usually cut with a variety of nasty substances on the street.

Is the synthetic drug illegal in the UK?

Monkey dust is a Class B drug, making it illegal to sell, buy, or possess without a license.

However, growing fears around its use has led ministers to consider reclassifying it as Class A.

This would increase jail terms for dealers.

The drug can be picked up for as little as £2 per hit, which makes those with existing dependency issues particularly vulnerable.

Its growing use in Stoke-on-Trent has caused a surge in crime, including arson.

What are the effects?

Monkey dust is a hallucinogenic drug that is incredibly addictive.

Police officers have described users on it as having Incredible Hulk-like strength.

Its potent effects last for three days - with some users left unable to feel pain for up to a week.

Addicts commonly believe they are being chased, and often try to climb building and lampposts to escape beasts from their vivid hallucinations.

Excessive use can lead to users sweat smelling strongly of prawns and vinegar.

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Stoke-on-Trent South MP Jack Breton told the BBC: "Many people's lives have been completely destroyed as a result of taking this drug.

"There is no treatment for those who become addicted - and it is very addictive. For those who succumb to it, it's very profound.

"It's so cheaply available, it's cheaper than the price of alcohol and people are able to just pick it up readily.

"We need to see reclassification and put the consequences up for those who are pushing this drug."