Calls for £2 high Monkey Dust to be certified a Class A drug
An MP has called for the reclassification of 'monkey dust' after a user 'ate through' a glass window following the £2 high.
Jack Brereton, the MP for Stoke-on-Trent, made the revelation during a debate about the 'horrific' substance's reclassification at Westminster Hall.
Monkey dust, which is currently a Class B drug, can have a number of effects on users, including violent behaviour, erratic and irrational thoughts and, in some instances, death.
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As reported by the BBC, the 'highly unpredictable' substance has caused people to jump off buildings and run into traffic in the past.
The substance - which is also known as 'zombie dust' or 'cannibal dust' - is hallucinogenic and got its cannibalistic nickname because it led to 'face eating' incidents that saw it get banned in the US in 2012.
The Mirror reports that the drug also has the bizarre effect of causing users to develop sweat that smells like prawns - an effect noticed by the fact that it can raise body temperature.
Bereton was making the argument for reclassification as Stoke-on-Trent has now found itself with 'an unenviable reputation' for the prevalence of the drug.
Police who have dealt with users of monkey dust - which can allegedly be purchased for as little as £2 - have said that they appear to feel no pain as they experience the accompanying hallucinations and paranoia.
It can also result in people displaying 'superhuman strength'.
PC Rich Frost previously told Sky News: "When you are trying to restrain them it's like you are dealing with someone who thinks they are the Incredible Hulk. The strength is unbelievable."
The strength reported by the police officer was echoed by Brereton during his debate, who stated: "Police officers have described trying to tackle those under the influence as trying to wrestle the Incredible Hulk."
The MP also pointed out that many of those who are taking monkey dust are young.
"Hits can cost as little as £2 on the street - making it cheaper than alcohol," he said.
"It's very sad to see that a lot of the people who are addicted and taking this drug are very young."
The MP then cited perhaps one of the most shocking stories concerning the drugs - a user in the UK who ate through a glass window.
"In my constituency, a user actively ate through a glass window of a local shop," Brereton said. "Tragically Stoke-on-Trent has been hit with an unenviable reputation as the centre for monkey dust abuse.
"The human cost of this awful drug and the gangs pushing it is a continuing problem. The drug takes advantage of vulnerable people and creates severe mental health issues."
Minister of state for the Home Department, Chris Philp, said the home office will now discuss if the evidence about monkey dust merits reclassification.
Those who are caught in possession of Class A drugs face up to seven years behind bars, an unlimited fine or both, while those caught with Class B drugs face up to five years imprisonment, an unlimited fine or both.
Emma Guinness