Five 'legal highs' to be banned temporarily

Five ‘legal highs’ are set to be banned by the Government from Friday 10 April 2015 for a period of 12 months while assessments are made as to whether they should be appropriately controlled.

The ban affects five compounds related to methylphenidate, which is a Class B drug.

One of the drugs being banned (ethylphenidate – also known as ‘gogaine’ and ‘burst’) has become an alternative to cocaine. In order to prevent users from switching to related drugs with similar harms, four further drugs will also be banned:

• 3,4-Dichloromethylphenidate (‘3,4-DCMP’);
• Methylnaphthidate (HDMP-28);
• Isopropylphenidat (IPP or IPPD); and
• Propylphenidate.

Operators, as ever, should remain alert to both the potential of drug-taking by customers on their premises as well as illegal drugs being dealt, whether well-known drugs already in the public consciousness or those previously deemed to be ‘legal highs’. Implementation of a drugs policy is a prudent step if you believe you are at a high risk of the aforementioned.

Should any regulatory issues arise with drugs at your premises and you require legal advice, please contact our offices and speak to one of our solicitors.