Police are warning about the dangers of a legal drug with harmful side-effects which is increasingly being used by young people in the Bradford district.

Mephedrone is a synthetic substance and natural stimulant from the khat plant. It is marketed as a plant fertiliser and marked by suppliers as not for human consumption.

But police are getting more reports of youngsters taking the drug and being referred to substance misuse agencies.

West Yorkshire Police’s Drugs co-ordinator Bryan Dent said the drug produced euphoria and increased sexual arousal but had unpleasant and dangerous side effects, including anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations and intense nosebleeds.

It has also been linked to cardiovascular and nervous system problems and increases the risk of fits and seizures.

Mr Dent said: “Just because something is not illegal does not mean that it is safe to take. Clearly this is unsafe.

“People are dicing with death by taking mephedrone. All the evidence we are getting suggests to me, as a parent and a police officer, it is a harmful substance. My message to young people is clear – leave it alone.

“The Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs has written to the Home Secretary promising to look at the issues as a matter of urgency.

“This awful substance is on the streets of West Yorkshire and we feel frustrated we can’t get to grips with it.

“We are looking forward to the time when we are able to deal with it through legislation.

“The use and supply of mephedrone appears to have escalated. Parents and carers are rightly concerned about it and drug treatment and substance misuse services are telling us that it is an increasing problem.”

Police have started an awareness drive in Ilkley after five under-18s were caught with the substance.

Claire Pollard, the force’s Bradford district substance misuse co-ordinator, said: “I know mephedrone is in Bradford because drug treatment agencies have clients who are taking it.

“It is a concern. It is a very harmful substance. People should stay away from it because it does have health risks.”

e-mail: steve.wright@telegraphandargus.co.uk