A warning about a potentially dangerous 'legal high' drug being taken by young people in Pembrokeshire goes out from police this week.

The stimulant drug - sold under the street names of Meow Meow, M cat or Bubble - can be bought on the internet as mephedrone, or plant food.

With the same effects as ecstasy and cocaine, the drug produces euphoria, alertness and talkativeness. But growing numbers of teenagers and young people across Britain have needed emergency medical treatment after being harmed by the drug, with some being resuscitated after their hearts stopped.

It is 'believed to be popular among young people in and around Tenby', a DyfedPowys police spokeswoman said this week.

Added Chief Inspector Alan Millichip: "This so-called drug is basically just plant food, and we cannot emphasise enough how dangerous this could be to people who take it."

Police are unable to control use of the drug because it is not illegal, but its legality does not make it safe, warned Janet Roberts, service manager for the Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline.

"This not the case, and certainly not with this drug. With 'legal highs', you cannot be sure what you are taking, and they can contain dangerous chemicals. In the main, these drugs are not for use by humans, and their health implications are mainly unknown.

"I would advise people to stay away from these drugs and certainly never to mix them with alcohol or other drugs."

The helpline, which is also known as Dan 24/7, has received 'only a few enquiries' - mainly concerning the legal status - about these types of drugs.

Added Ms Roberts: "The helpline is advising people to be very wary of these drugs and to carefully consider their reasons for wanting to use them, and the dangers they pose to users' health."

*The Wales Drug & Alchohol Helpline is available 24/7 on freephone 0800 6 33 55 88