Sunderland charity warn new legal highs ban NOT enough
A Sunderland charity is warning that a new law which bans the use of so–called legal highs WILL NOT tackle the growing problem.
A North East charity is warning that a new law which bans the use of so–called legal highs WILL NOT tackle the growing problem.
The Psychoactive Substances Act will put a ‘blanket ban’ on them and make it an offence to produce, supply, and import or export the drugs for human consumption.
John Devitt is chief Executive of Counted4 in Sunderland, which offers support to local addicts.
He told Metro Radio the new law is a step in the right direction but it won’t solve the problem overnight.
“It is a positive step. It is not going to be the full answer or solution to the problem but it is a very positive step and if nothing else will remove from the high street, the amount of legal highs. These sorts of substances which are just becoming more and more common.“
The new law comes into action from today and will ban the use of Psychoactive substances such as Bubble and Skunk.
Police are also welcoming the change in how psychoactive substances are tackled, with a range of criminal and civil sanctions including new powers for police, and tougher sentences of up to 7 years for offenders.
Officers have been given powers to stop and search people, vehicles and vessels, enter and search premises in accordance with a warrant, and to seize and destroy new psychoactive substances.
The North East Ambulance service say they've responded to 719 legal- high related calls since January.
Lynn Pyburn hopes the law will see that number drop.
“The calls are just increasing, we have not had a reduction in the calls that we are receiving. So to me, nothing has changed even though this publicity has happened.”