A cheap street drug, which has reportedly seen some users jump from buildings and want to eat glass, could be about to face tougher penalties in the UK.

A probe into monkey dust has been launched by the government after incidents of violence and arson were connected with the Class B substance, that leaves people extremely paranoid and believing they have ‘Hulk-like’ strength.

What is monkey dust?

Monkey dust is a synthetic psychoactive substance also known as MDPV. ‘Zombie dust’ and ‘bath salts’ are other names the hallucinogenic drug sometimes goes by.

It comes in crystal or powder form – white or yellow in colour - and its effects are likened to those caused by other illegal drugs such as cocaine. Its increased use is being associated with its current cheaper price tag compared to many other illicit drugs.

Alongside causing paranoia and in some cases the perception of ‘super human’ strength, hallucinations, psychosis and involuntary body movements are also among the issues the drug can create for users.

In 2012 it was outlawed in the US by President Barack Obama - with media reports linking it to horrific face-eating attacks in the US and instances of people jumping out of buildings because they believed they were being chased.

Problems in the UK

Reclassifying it – and other synthetic substances like it – would mean tougher sentences for those both caught with and dealing the drug.

According to the government report – released on Friday morning – monkey dust is being linked with a number of violent crimes and arson attacks particularly in Stoke-on-Trent.

The opportunity to reclassify it has been welcomed by both police chiefs and charities working with users in Staffordshire, who say a change will further protect people from harm.

Government review

An independent review into the harms of monkey dust has now been commissioned by the government.

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) is being asked to consider whether monkey dust and other drugs like it should be made into Class A substances that would mean criminals caught supplying it would face a life sentence.

Minister for Crime and Policing Chris Philp said: “These synthetic drugs ruin lives, families and neighbourhoods. Made in labs and pumped into our communities, our drug laws must keep pace with their evolution.

“We are tackling the supply and demand for illegal substances to reduce addiction and its effects, including driving down crime and antisocial behaviour. I look forward to receiving the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs’ advice on combating synthetic cathinones in Staffordshire and across the UK.”

Chief Inspector and operational lead on drugs at Staffordshire Police, Rob Hessell confirmed the force welcomes the investigation.

He added: “We are supportive of exploring the reclassification of synthetic cathinones, which includes monkey dust, from Class B to A, which will protect people from the harm of these drugs.

“The reclassification would make the drugs harder to access and introduce tougher penalties for possession.”