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Monkey dust warning as police say increasingly popular drug is leading to people jumping off buildings

A man high on 'Monkey Dust' prepares to jump off a house and onto a car bonnet below - Staffordshire Police
A man high on 'Monkey Dust' prepares to jump off a house and onto a car bonnet below - Staffordshire Police

Police have warned of a potential public health crisis if the deadly drug known as ‘Monkey Dust’ is not dealt with immediately.

The psychotic substance, which can cost as little as £2 for a small bag is a Class B drug and its effects have led people to jump off the roofs of houses and run into busy traffic.

The drug, also known as MDPV, is synthetic and comes in powder form. It can be snorted, injected or smoked and its side effects can include paranoia and hallucinations. 

Another effect of monkey dust is that it can make users feel incredibly strong and lowers their pain perception. One ambulance worker in Staffordshire, where the problem is most acute, said that trying to restrain users can be like trying to restrain the Incredible Hulk.

Staffordshire Police say that they are receiving an average of 10 or more calls a day related to monkey dust, with 950 incidents responded to in the last three months alone.

A man high on 'Monkey Dust' prepares to jump off a house and onto a car bonnet below - Credit: Staffordshire Police
A man high on 'Monkey Dust' prepares to jump off a house and onto a car bonnet below Credit: Staffordshire Police

Chief Superintendent Jeff Moore said: "The drug is highly addictive and highly unpredictable, meaning emergency services can often struggle to provide the appropriate treatment to those under the influence. 

“Every user acts differently, displaying behaviour that is volatile and dangerous to both the user and emergency services personnel responding. The level of resource required is often far greater than we have experienced before with some suffering the effects of use for several days.

"Working with our partners we must improve education and prevention efforts to stop people taking the drug in the first place, but we also need to identify more effective ways to treat those already under the influence.

Monkey Dust user is restrained by police - Credit: Staffordshire Police
The man who jumped from the roof had to be restrained by officers after he got up and started lashing out at police Credit: Staffordshire Police

"By starting this very public conversation we hope to work with partners to create a joined-up approach that will hopefully lower the number of people using the drug and tackle the production and supply of the drug."

Users of the drug have been seen risking their lives and lashing out in drug-induced violent outbursts. They warned that some users have died while under the influence of the drug.

“People who take these substances have absolutely no way of knowing what is contained within them as the chemicals are untested and unregulated,” said a West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman.

“The effect on the patient can vary considerably; our staff often treat legal high users who have suffered seizures, heart attacks and strokes. Some patients are left with long term illnesses whilst others never wake up.  

One man, pictured in the centre, had to be restrained by police officers so paramedics could treat his injuries - Credit: Staffordshire Police
One man, pictured in the centre, had to be restrained by police officers so paramedics could treat his injuries Credit: Staffordshire Police

“The effects can lead to the patient suffering extreme highs and lows which sometimes results in patients appearing to be suffering mental health issues at one end of the scale to extreme violence at the other.

“It is not uncommon for users to mix these substances with alcohol which can lead to an even more severe adverse reaction.

“Because it is impossible to tell what substances are used within the drugs, it can make it extremely difficult for our staff to provide treatment.  In short, users are putting their lives at risk every time they take them.”