Police drugs warning as some 'legal highs' are banned

Sussex Police have issued a reminder of the dangers of several previously ‘legal high' substances which are now illegal, and of others still so far legal.

A range of former so called ‘legal highs' including GBL, BZP and man made chemicals sprayed on herbal smoking products such as ‘Spice', have been banned today under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Detective Superintendent Glenn Jones, Sussex Police drugs co-ordinator, said; "You risk damage to your health, as well as arrest, by accepting an illegal or any other unknown substance from anyone."

The substances, which come under the Misuse of Drugs Act from today, include:

Chemical solvent GBL (Gamma-Butyrolactone) and a similar chemical, which are converted in to GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) in the body and often used as ‘club drugs', are now controlled as a Class C drugs when intended for human consumption;

Synthetic cannabinoids, man-made chemicals sprayed on herbal smoking products such as ‘Spice', which act on the body in a similar way to cannabis but can be far more potent, are now controlled as Class B drugs alongside cannabis, and;

BZP (Benzylpiperazine) and related piperazines, which are stimulants, similar to amphetamine, are now controlled as Class C drugs.

In addition, 15 anabolic steroids, testosterone-like products often used by sports people and increasingly being used by the general public for their growth-promoting properties are now controlled as Class C drugs, alongside two growth promoters.

Detective Superintendent Jones said; "We are well aware of the harm that can be caused in local communities by the use of these, and by other already illegal drugs. GBL in particular contributed to a tragic death in Brighton earlier this year.

"Another ‘legal high' Mephedrone, also known as MCAT or ‘Meeow Meeow', is not one of those prohibited today, but Government drugs advisers are investigating its harms. Our intelligence indicates that it is currently being used in Sussex, and no doubt elsewhere in the country. Even though it remains legal at present, taking Mephedrone can be dangerous. Its effects on the human body have not yet been fully assessed but there have been reports of people who have taken it suffering from increased heart rate and blood pressure, irritability, nausea and vomiting, fitting and headaches.

"Many dealers mix drugs of all kinds, including these newly prohibited ones, with a variety of cutting agents to increase their volume and people buying such substances can have no idea of what they actually contain and the dangers they can present.

"We will adopt a proportionate approach to enforcement, assessing every investigation on its merits. That will include taking into consideration the types and quantities of substances seized and whether it was intended for personal use or for supply to others. However anyone found in possession of what are believed to be controlled drugs such as these is liable to be arrested in the first instance whilst the substance is analysed."

News Source: Sussex Police

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