Students are being warned about the dangers of consuming plant food after seven young people were arrested at a Lancaster nightclub.

Doorstaff alerted the police when they found white powder during searches on the students at the Sugar House.

Those arrested claimed it was “bubble”, an ingredient of plant food called mephedrone that is legal to possess but can be dangerous if taken with alcohol.

All seven have been bailed while tests are carried out on the powder.

‘Very bad reactions’

The chemical, also known as “meow meow” usually takes the form of a white powder, crystals or tablets.

Det Ch Insp Neil Gregson said: “As is the case with all drugs which appear in powder form, mephedrone lends itself to being cut with other drugs.

“This means you can never know exactly what you are putting into your body.

“Mephedrone can cause very bad reactions when mixed with alcohol – people have died from taking this substance – and there is the risk of paranoia and possible mental health problems in the long term.

“There is also the danger that young people may experiment with other forms of plant food in the belief that these will also have a euphoric effect.

“It is currently not illegal, but that looks set to change, and a criminal record could impact heavily on your future.”

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