KIDS in the Stewartry are using plant food to get ‘high’.
Groups of youngsters are abusing a substance called MCat, also known as “Miaow”, which they see as a cheap and legal alternative to drugs.
And evidence presented to the Stewartry area committee suggests Dalbeattie is at the centre of the trend.
The extent of the problem has been revealed by young people who are either involved in its use or know of those who are.
Information has been gathered by health officials, social workers and police, often from kids who have been referred for substance or alcohol misuse problems.
MCat (Methyl Methcathinone) is sold as a plant food and is available in tablet and powder form.
Shirley Barr from Integrated Substance Services told Stewartry area committee: “It is very worrying and a growing trend.
“There is an increasing number of young people taking ‘legal highs’ in the area.”
And she warned that just because a substance is not illegal, it does not mean it is safe.
“People are taking the drug thinking it is safer because it hasn’t been made illegal but they are putting themselves at real harmful risk.”
MCat produces feelings of euphoria, alertness, talkativeness and empathy. But it can also cause anxiety and paranoia.
It can be swallowed or snorted, although doing so can produce nose bleeds.
And, according to one website, there is some suggestion the death of a young woman in Sweden may have been connected to MCat.
Shirley Barr described the substance as “a stimulant that works like ecstasy and speed” but warned that its use could pose a real risk to the user by putting a huge strain on the heart.
Police are also concerned about the spread of “legal highs” which they say are beginning to affect other communities in the region.
Substance misuse officer Scott Jardine said: “We are generally getting a lot of information from the youngsters who are talking to us about the drugs.
“We don’t think they are being sold locally.
“They are being bought through the internet or are coming from the Central Belt or down south.
“It appears the drugs are being taken in small groups in houses.
“MCat, XTC and others are basically plant stimulants and should not be taken by people.
“We don’t really know what effects they could have.”
