The UK government has revealed that it will be recommending that the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) reclassifies monkey dust as a class A drug.

Sky News revealed the story, with a source saying that the drug is “devastating communities” and that “the classification needs to meet the severity of the drug”.

Currently, the drug is categorised as a Class B substance despite emergency services saying there is an epidemic of patients hooked on the dangerous drug across Stoke-on-Trent.

But, what exactly is Monkey Dust? Here is everything we know.

What is Monkey Dust?

Monkey Dust, also known as MDPV, “bath salts”, “magic” and “zombie dust”, is a synthetic psychoactive drug often found in powder or crystal form. It can be snorted, swallowed or smoked in a pipe, and the substance is often sold for very little, making those in poverty more likely to choose it over other substances.

It became popular across the US, where it used to be readily available at petrol stations, convenience stores, and bookshops, before Barack Obama’s administration made it an illegal substance in 2012.

The drug has become popular in the UK in recent years, with the West Midlands police officers calling it a public health crisis in 2018.

What are the side-effects of Monkey Dust?

Monkey Dust’s side-effects are reported to be long-lasting and intense, affecting users for up to 12 hours.

The powerful rush of energy and euphoria it produces makes some feel like they are physically invincible. Thus, users often become aggressive or violent without thinking about the consequences. It can also cause hallucinations, paranoia and a lack of self-control.

Some also find themselves envisioning that they are being chased and end up doing things like trying to climb buildings and lashing out at those around them.

Cases in Stoke-on-Trent have shown that those who take the drug can exhibit extremely erratic behaviour, instigate fights and commit acts of violence.