A DANGEROUS legal high sold to the Adver by a website is set to be temporarily outlawed within weeks.

Methoxetamine, known as MXE or Mexxy, is likely to be banned under new powers being used by the Home Office.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland has cited temporary banning orders as a key tool in the fight against legal highs.

Use of the substances has led to a wave of hospital admissions and they are also thought to have led to several deaths.

The Adver ordered three substances – including MXE and another which contained a Class B substance – to highlight the problem earlier this month.

MXE is sold as a legal alternative to party drug ketamine – intended for use as a horse tranquiliser.

Mr Buckland said: “I am delighted that things are moving quickly. It shows that the new system is capable of responding flexibly and this is an encouraging indication for the future.

“Hopefully future substances will also be quickly identified and the system will be efficient in protecting users and the public. In the meantime we need to remain vigilant and I will be working with the police to do everything that can be done to protect people from the dangers posed by so-called legal highs.”

The Adver’s investigation revealed Swindon is one of the worst areas in the UK for the misuse of substances usually meant as research chemicals or plant feed.

A ban on mephedrone and other legal highs in 2010 only resulted in producers renaming and altering the compositions.

MXE, which is likely to be banned within the next two weeks, is on a Home Office fast-track system after being linked to the deaths of a man and a woman.

The Adver bought 1g of the substance for £15.30, which was delivered the next day.

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs will report back to the Home Office and the substance is likely to be outlawed for 12 months while a permanent ban is considered.

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. It is important for those considering using these drugs to understand that just because a substance is legal, it does not mean it is safe.”