Mephedrone
Mephedrone appeared in the UK market several years ago but has more recently been in the news due to suspected deaths of several young persons. This relatively new synthetic drug, is also known as "MeowMeow" or "'M-Cat".
The consumption of amphetamine related substances at clubs and ‘rave parties’ as they used to be known has become a current practice in Europe including the UK and France. For a number of years, new stimulants with chemical structures similar to the amphetamine group, such as the cathinones were synthesized in order to try to bypass the legislation which is constantly being updated. During 2010, among the new synthetic molecules, a growing number of cases involving mephedrone were observed in Europe, notably in the UK due to its supposed implication in a series of unrelated deaths of young people over a small time period. With its growing reputation came the increase of illegal dealings in these types of substances on the internet.
MMC (4 mephedrone) known as " Meow Meow " or " 'M-Cat ", has effects similar to amphetamines: it is empathogenic (ability to interact with others), euphoric and an appetite suppressant. Currently, there is very little information on its long-term toxicity and interactions with other psychotropic drugs.
In the UK it was listed in the Misuse of Drugs Act in 2010 which included possession, consumption and dealing the drug.
Because of its potential dangers and addictiveness, its identification in biological samples and seizures is increasingly necessary for the Police and the Criminal Justice System.
ChemTox has combined the knowledge and high technical expertise of the laboratory in order to develop an accurate analytical method for the screening and the quantification of mephedrone in biological samples (hair, blood and urine) and the seizure of products (tablets, powder, other items). In addition, to anticipate future customer requirements, ChemTox has set up screening method to include a wide range of cathinones such as cathinone, methcathinone, methedrone, MPDV and butylone.
