Barnsley is the MCAT capital of the county, with almost two-thirds of all seizures last year being made here, police revealed this week.
Of the 252 kilos of the drug recovered across South Yorkshire, 161kg came Barnsley, an increase of 230 per cent.
Police say the drug - made using plant fertiliser - has become popular on the town's nightlife circuit as many people see it as a cheaper alternative to booze.
Acting sergeant Gavin Kerr of South Yorkshire Police's tasking team said: "On weekends there's a high quantity of it in the town centre. People who have never been in trouble before do it.
"Officers are always talking to the people in the cells, asking them where it's coming from."
Until two years ago, it was known as a 'legal high' and available as plant food.
Users snort, swallow or inject it to get feelings of euphoria and excitement but side effects include aggressive behaviour, paranoia and loss of concentration.
And one woman who has seen the consequences first-hand is Valerie Townend, 50, of Burton Grange, Lundwood.
Her son William tried to commit suicide after taking MCAT. She said: "It's no good, it ruins lives. Parents should be talking to their kids about it or they could lose everything.
"You see kids wanting to fight, thinking they're invincible. They have it once and then their mates have it. They'll find it no matter where they go."
She believes courts need to impose stiffer sentences for people caught using it to act as a deterrent.
"It's just a slap on wrist for first time offenders, they should send them to prison. Put them behind bars."
