Schools can seize 'legal high' drugs

Fears were raised that teachers could not confiscate the drug

mephedrone, despite the deaths of two teenagers this week.

But Schools Minister Vernon Coaker has written to reassure schools they can seize the drug and all other "legal highs" under existing rules.

Known as Meow Meow or M-Cat, mephedrone has effects similar to those of Ecstasy. But users of the drug can suffer anxiety attacks, paranoia and nosebleeds.

The deaths of Nicholas Smith, 19, a trainee chef at Winteringham Fields restaurant in north Lincolnshire and his friend Louis Wainwright, 18, provoked a national debate on banning legal drugs. The two were both found dead on Monday after apparently taking the drug during a night out in Scunthorpe.

Four males, two aged 26, a 20-year-old and a 17-year-old who were arrested in connection with the deaths of the teenagers, have all been released on bail.

It has also emerged that a third man, 46-year-old John Sterling Smith, from East Sussex, died from mephedrone poisoning after a heart attack in the early hours of February 7.

A pupil at Wakefield Girls High School, which charges more than 3,000 a term, has also been permanently excluded after being found with the substance on school premises.

The head of the senior school, Gillian Wallwork, said: "Immediate

action was taken and the pupil has been permanently excluded."

The pupil involved was in Year 11.

Mr Coaker said the law gives teachers the powers to confiscate "all inappropriate items" irrespective of their legal status.

Along with the letter, schools have been sent a factsheet containing advice for staff.

The leaflet warns of side effects including fits and says it has been linked to "a small number of deaths".

Meanwhile Humberside Police and the NHS have been distributing factsheets in homes, schools and colleges in north Lincolnshire.

Pubs have been given leaflets and posters to display and people are being urged to call police if they believe mephedrone is being supplied.