The mother and father of Nicholas Smith, Elaine and Tony Smith from Winterton, after the death of their son

Don’t hesitate to take drugs off pupils regardless of their legal status.

That’s the message from the Government on mephedrone and other “legal highs” following the deaths of two teenagers.

Any items deemed “inappropriate” by teachers can be legally seized, the schools minister says.

Vernon Coaker has written a letter to schools after the drug was linked to the deaths of Louis Wainwright, 18, and Nicholas Smith, 19, from Scunthorpe.

Known as Meow Meow or M-Cat, mephedrone has effects similar to those of ecstasy.

Mr Coaker said schools are also under no obligation to return confiscated substances.

Along with the letter, schools were also sent a factsheet containing advice for staff on the dangers of mephedrone.

The leaflet warns that mephedrone users can suffer anxiety attacks, paranoia and nosebleeds. The drug can also cause fits, and has been linked to “a small number of deaths”, it states.

The dangers of mephedrone are being examined in detail by the Government’s drug advisory body, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD).

Tags: courts, mephedrone, schools, solicitors