ANYONE caught with the psychoactive drug MDPV after midnight on Friday will face serious criminal charges.
MDPV (3, 4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone) will become an illicit substance when it is added to Schedule 9 (Prohibited Substances) of the Poisons Act 1964 (WA).
Side effects of the drug include anxiety, paranoia, acute cardiovascular and central nervous system toxicity.
Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said anyone with MDVP had until 12.01am on Saturday to safely dispose of the substance, or any product containing MDVP.
“With a high risk of drug-related abuse, tolerance and dependence, drugs like these can harm people’s health and mental health and that is why the State Government is serious about reducing the harm these dangerous drugs can cause,” she said.
MDPV has been a controlled substance in Australia since 2010 and from May 1 this year, the Therapeutic Goods Administration will ban it throughout Australia.
“This is a positive step and I have always said a national response to the issue of emerging drugs is the most effective approach,” she said.
MDPV has been linked to an increase in hospitalisations and overdoses.