A 40-year-old woman died after taking the synthetic drug Monkey Dust days after Christmas, an inquest heard. Natalie Doorbar was found dead at a home in Biddulph, Staffordshire, on December 27, having used the drug.

Ms Doorbar's family last saw her on Christmas Day, and she had reportedly abstained from drugs for six months prior to her death. She texted her mother on Boxing Day, stating she would return soon, but was found deceased the following day after a 999 call. First responders noted she was hot, sweaty, had purple lips, and was breathing shallowly before callers reported she had stopped breathing.

At the time of Ms Doorbar's death, four other individuals were present at the property, all reportedly engaged in drug-taking behavior. According to reports, they had purchased and were consuming an eighth of Monkey Dust that morning.

Police found burnt foil and several small bags containing Monkey Dust at the residence. A toxicology report indicated the presence of Monkey Dust, cocaine, THC, and diazepam in Ms Doorbar's system. She had a history of drug use, having started in her youth. Her mother presented evidence of her drug use, after which Ms Doorbar apologized and expressed a commitment to sobriety.

Her mother told the inquest that her daughter had returned to her "happy normal self" during her period of abstinence and had expressed joy at Christmas. "She stuck to her word and didn't take any drugs," her mother stated. "We had Christmas dinner together. She was the happiest I've seen her in years. Then she got herself ready and went out. That was the last time we saw her."

Dr. Mark Stefan informed the inquest that Ms Doorbar's death was attributed to the effects of MD-PHP, the common active ingredient in Monkey Dust, likely causing cardiac arrest. Coroner Fiona Gingell concluded the death was drug-related, acknowledging Ms Doorbar's history of illicit drug use but noting her six months of sobriety. The coroner stated, "There's always a significant risk and danger each time someone uses them. I'm satisfied that she took monkey dust of her own free will. It was accidental. She used these drugs and sadly died as a result."

Biddulph is located near Stoke-on-Trent, an area known for its issues with synthetic cathinones, commonly referred to as Monkey Dust. This drug, originally sold cheaply, now costs more and is designed to mimic stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines. It was classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act in 2010, making possession and supply illegal.