A new Welsh Government campaign aimed at highlighting the dangers of the drug Mephedrone as well as other new and emerging drugs and the damage they can cause has been launched by the Health Minister Lesley Griffiths.
In Wales the use of the drug Mephedrone, commonly known as ‘Meow Meow,’ has risen dramatically over the last six months and in particular during the last three months.*

The drug, which is described as a mix between amphetamines, cocaine and ecstasy, can cause heart palpitations, paranoia, vomiting, agitation, fits, suicidal thoughts and depression.

Latest figures from the British Crime Survey indicate that Mephedrone remains the fourth most prevalent drug in the UK, after cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy. The survey also estimates that around 300,000 or 3.4% of 16 to 24 year olds used Mephedrone during 2011/12.

Using the strapline “Do you know the score,” the Welsh Government’s campaign will link with the Six Nations Rugby tournament and will run in the form of radio, leaflet and poster advertising as well as in local press. Beer mats also using the strapline will be distributed to every Wetherspoons pub in Wales during the course of the campaign.

The campaign will run from the 21 January to the 2 March. Following this an all Wales conference hosted by Swansea Drugs Project will take place on 7th March focusing on new and emerging drugs.

Launching the campaign Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said:

“The dramatic rise in the use of Mephedrone is concerning given the serious mental and physical harm the drug can cause both in the short and long term.

“As a class B drug Mephedrone carries a penalty of up to 5 years for possession and 14 years for supply. One of the aims of our campaign is to educate people about the dangers of the drug and the damage it can cause.

“The campaign also points users and their families to the Wales Drug & Alcohol Helpline, also known as DAN 24/7 for further information about Mephedrone and where they can go to get help.”