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Mephedrone death link is probed Mephedrone death link is probed
(about 7 hours later)
Cumbria police are investigating whether mephedrone contributed to the death of a 17-year-old girl. Police in Cumbria are investigating whether the recently banned drug mephedrone contributed to the death of a 17-year-old girl.
The body of Carmen Moulton, of Tyne Close Terrace in Penrith, was found at a house in the town's William Street in the early hours of Saturday. The body of Carmen Moulton, of Tyne Close Terrace in Penrith, was found at a house in the town's William Street early on Saturday.
Police said a post-mortem examination was being held to determine whether the recently banned drug was involved. A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out in the next few days.
Three men aged 40, 31, and 19 and a girl aged 16 were arrested on suspicion of supplying controlled drugs. A 40-year-old man arrested on suspicion of supplying controlled drugs has been bailed.
Officers are continuing to question two men, aged 31 and 19, and a 16-year-old girl, who were also arrested on suspicion of supplying controlled drugs.
The teenager's mother, Michelle Hodgson, said: "We are all devastated by the loss of a caring, loving daughter who was full of life and had her whole life ahead of her.The teenager's mother, Michelle Hodgson, said: "We are all devastated by the loss of a caring, loving daughter who was full of life and had her whole life ahead of her.
"We would appreciate being left alone to grieve and come to terms with our loss.""We would appreciate being left alone to grieve and come to terms with our loss."
Recommended banRecommended ban
A Cumbria Police spokesman said: "We are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death and have informed Miss Moulton's immediate family and the local coroner.
"A post-mortem examination is expected to take place later."
The drug and its related compounds were branded Class B substances after measures were rushed through Parliament.The drug and its related compounds were branded Class B substances after measures were rushed through Parliament.
The Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) had recommended a ban, saying the substance was "likely to be harmful", despite incomplete research.The Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) had recommended a ban, saying the substance was "likely to be harmful", despite incomplete research.
Mephedrone is derived from cathinone, a compound found in a plant called khat.Mephedrone is derived from cathinone, a compound found in a plant called khat.
The laboratory-produced drug has a similar effect to amphetamines, ecstasy or cocaine.The laboratory-produced drug has a similar effect to amphetamines, ecstasy or cocaine.
It has been linked to a number of deaths but there has been no conclusive proof that it has been responsible for any of them on its own.It has been linked to a number of deaths but there has been no conclusive proof that it has been responsible for any of them on its own.