An independent review into the harms that monkey dust and other
synthetic cathinones pose has been commissioned as the government
continues its work to combat drug addiction and violent crime.
Currently a Class B substance, the drug is reported to be
responsible for acts of violence and arson – particularly in
Stoke-on-Trent.
There have also been concerns about the impact of synthetic
cathinones on people’s heath, with reported effects including
hallucinations, psychosis and involuntary body movements.
The Policing Minister has asked the Advisory Council on the
Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) to
consider whether these substances, including ‘monkey dust’,
should be made Class A drugs to keep communities safe. By making
this a Class A substance, criminals caught suppling this drug
will face a life sentence.
Minister for Crime and Policing said:
These synthetic drugs ruin lives, families and neighbourhoods.
Made in labs and pumped into our communities, our drug laws must
keep pace with their evolution.
We are tackling the supply and demand for illegal substances to
reduce addiction and its effects, including driving down crime
and antisocial behaviour.
I look forward to receiving the Advisory Council on the Misuse of
Drugs’ advice on combatting synthetic cathinones in Staffordshire
and across the UK.
Driving forward our 10-year Drug Strategy’s whole-system approach
to tackling drugs, the review will also explore how other
measures such as drug treatment and recovery can combat the
harmful impacts of this substance. This is in addition to our
drug diversion schemes and housing support interventions to help
addicts turn their lives around for good.
Chief Inspector and operational lead on drugs at Staffordshire
Police, Rob Hessell said:
We are supportive of exploring the reclassification of synthetic
cathinones, which includes monkey dust, from Class B to A, which
will protect people from the harm of these drugs.
The reclassification would make the drugs harder to access and
introduce tougher penalties for possession.
We have a dedicated operation, together with key local partners,
aimed at disrupting the supply of monkey dust in Stoke-on-Trent
and safeguarding those vulnerable to associated anti-social
behaviour and criminality. It is hoped that by signposting users
to support and treatment, through our work with partner agencies,
we will be able to reduce the adverse impact the substance has on
the local community.
Lisa Healings, Chief Executive of VAST – the local infrastructure
organisation for the voluntary and community sector in
Stoke-on-Trent said:
It’s great news to hear that the classification of synthetic
cathinones is being reviewed.
Reclassification would ultimately make our communities safer for
the people who live there and ensure that those affected by
substance misuse are able to get the support they need.
The ACMD will now
undertake the review and return their advice to the government.
Updates will be provided in due course.
