The move comes following growing concerns growing over children and young people using the drug.
Also known as meow, meph or Mcat, mephedrone is currently not covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act, meaning it can be sold over the internet for as little as £10 a gram. Sellers refer to it as "plant food" and label it as "not fit for human consumption" to bypass medicine laws.
Johnson's announcement follows a recommendation made today by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. The decision to criminalise the drug is likely to prove controversial.
Despite a number of deaths being linked to the drug and users reporting an array of side effects, there is very little evidence about its toxicity or long-term effects.
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