Local MP Caroline Dinenage has welcomed the Psychoactive Substances Act which comes into effect today.
Unscrupulous dealers in psychoactive substances face up to 7 years in prison as the trade becomes illegal and Police will have new powers to shut down 'headshops' and UK-based online dealers, helping to protect potential users from harm and communities from anti-social behaviour. The blanket ban on the sale, supply, importation and exportation of the dangerous drugs will apply across the UK whenever they are intended for human consumption.
Caroline recently backed the "lethal highs" campaign, launched by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Youth Commission, calling for more information surrounding psychoactive substances, both in terms of advice and usage, to be given.
Minister for Preventing Abuse, Exploitation and Crime Karen Bradley said:
"Too many lives have been lost or ruined by the dangerous drugs formerly referred to as 'legal highs'. That is why we have taken action to stamp out this brazen trade.
The Psychoactive Substances Act sends a clear message – these drugs are not legal, they are not safe and we will not allow them to be sold in this country."
Caroline commented:
"Legal highs are lethal and across both Gosport and the UK, too many lives have been ruined or lost.
I am pleased that the government have taken steps to make Psychoactive Substances illegal and make our country a safer place."
For more information about the act please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/trade-in-so-called-legal-highs-now-illegal.
