Methoxetamine, a so-called safe alternative to ketamine, might face a ban after concerns that it was linked to two deaths in Leicestershire last month.

Methoxetamine, or mexxy has now been referred to the Government's Advisory Council on Misuse of Drugs and might face a ban.

The police have already advised poeplenot to buy mexxy, which is available as a safe alternative to the class C drug ketamine.

There are concerns that a 59-year-old woman from Leicester and a 32-year-old man from Melton Mowbray died after taking the drug. Advisers in the Home Office are now considering a `fast track' ban on Methoxetamine after high concerns over its safety.

The drug is available on the internet for £17 a gram. It is used as a safe alternative to ketamine, a horse tranquilliser used as a party drug. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs can approve a temporary ban for 12 months. According to estimates, there are 40 new legal highs hit Britain in 2011. up from just 13 in 2008.

Home Office Minister Lord Henley said "We have become increasingly concerned at the potential harms of Methoxetamine, and continue to work with our drug experts on the ACMD to decide on the best way to protect public health."