FIVE PEOPLE in Dundee—the youngest aged only 15—suffered overdoses after taking the party drug “bubbles” last weekend.

NHS Tayside said that while all those affected had recovered, two people had been admitted to Ninewells Hospital. The cases are not being treated as linked and were reported in houses around the city.

The casualties had all consumed the “legal high” whose main ingredient is the research chemical, mephedrone, which is often marketed as plant food.

Although the chemical is not a controlled drug, possession can still lead to arrest as bubbles can vary in content and may lead to a more serious charge after forensic testing.

In a statement, issued in conjunction with police and support agencies the WEB Project and Addaction, NHS Tayside warned of a “lack of knowledge” over the effects of bubbles in the long and short terms.

The statement said, “Mixing bubbles with prescribed medicine or alcohol can cause serious health problems.”

It added, “Mephedrone in itself is dangerous, but there are also concerns about the variety of possible unknown additives in the capsules.”

Reported symptoms have included blueing of the knees and limbs, narrowing of blood vessels, heart problems, breathing problems, convulsions, dizziness and vomiting.

Mephedrone is manufactured in Chinese laboratories and imported legally.