Admitting that the abuse of the psychotropic drug mephedrone, commonly known as meow meow, was on the rise, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday told the state assembly that the state government has requested the centre to include the drug in the Schedule I of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act). Doing so would make its use and sale illegal.

The chief minister was responding to the issue of mephedrone abuse raised by Waris Pathan, Byculla MLA from MIM, during the discussion on the law and order situation prevailing in the state.

Doctors say that mephedrone use is associated with a feeling of euphoria and alertness, as well as a feeling of connectedness to people, but can induce heart palpitations, headaches, excessive sweating, and poor blood circulation. Its psychological effects include hallucinations, delusions, paranoia and depression. Since it is a relatively new drug, nothing is known about its long-term effects.

Fadnavis informed the House that mephedrone abuse was on the rise and that its consumption led to deterioration of health within a span of one month.

Byculla MLA Pathan told dna he was happy that the chief minister took his suggestion about acting strictly against the trade of meow meow. He said that he had first demanded banning the use of meow meow and acting strictly against those involved in its trade.