TIME is running out for users of the party drug mephedrone, which becomes illegal at midnight tonight.

From then, anyone found in possession of the Class B drug will face five years in prison. The maximum sentence for dealing will be 14 years.

Until now, police have been powerless to act on the so-called legal high.

Officers in Teesdale, County Durham, were among the first in the country to become aware of the ecstasy derivative – also known as drone, bubble or meow.

Five mephedrone users in the dale have been admitted to hospital suffering from problems connected with its use.

Nationally, several deaths have been linked to the drug’s use, including that of Lois Waters, 24, from Norton, North Yorkshire, last month.

Yesterday, Barnard Castle police launched a poster campaign explaining the law. Officers gave out 250 posters to schools, youth clubs, pubs, shops and surgeries. The campaign will soon extend to the rest of County Durham.

Inspector Kevin Tuck said: “We do not want to see young people criminalised and have their lives ruined, but we will prosecute anybody we catch with it.”

People are advised to dispose of their mephedrone by flushing it down a toilet.