A mother of a teenage boy who has been repeatedly locked up because of his addiction to mephedrone, spoke of her heartache and frustration.

The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said her 16- year-old son has spent the last year in a youth offenders’ institution after he spent 12 months using the drug, also known as ‘mcat’ and ‘plant food’, going on to commit petty theft and joy-riding before being locked up.

After taking the drug he would become aggressive and suffer nosebleeds, she said.

She said the community is “facing a battle” against the drug as it is allegedly being sold all over Cwmbran.

“I would like to see the police catch the ones who are selling it to children,” the woman said.

“There are a lot of issues around Cwmbran with crime, and meow meow is sending the kids mental round here,” said the woman, who lives in Cwmbran.

“My son nearly overdosed on it and a few of his friends have. It changed his personality.

“I have told Cwmbran police and the youth offending service who is selling it and nothing seems to be done. When does it stop?”

“It is like he has a split personality, he was so loving and caring and now he is hasn’t got a care in the world – we can’t get through to him,” she said.

She said the effect has been felt across the entire family.

“It drags the whole family down. His eldest brother and sister do not want anything to do with him because they are antidrugs.”

She said her biggest fear was that her son would end up dead.

Have you been affected by mephedrone? Tell us about your experiences at newsdesk@southwalesargus.co.uk on Twitter using #mcatgwent on the South Wales Argus Facebook page or call 01633 777008