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02/02/2016
Psychoactive Substances Act Welcomed
The Justice and Health Ministers have welcomed the Psychoactive Substances Act, which is expected to be implemented in spring this year.
The Act will prohibit the production, supply and importation of potentially dangerous drugs, often incorrectly called 'legal highs', and will see offenders face up to seven years in prison.
Minister David Ford and Minister Simon Hamilton welcomed the news.
Minister Ford said: "The Psychoactive Substances Act will considerably enhance the powers available to our enforcement agencies to stop those intent on supplying these harmful substances here in Northern Ireland and across the UK.
"The Act is an important milestone in the efforts of the Westminster Government and the Devolved Administrations and represents a significant change in approach to the emergence of these substances."
Minister Simon Hamilton said: "New Psychoactive Substances have caused significant mental and physical health issues in Northern Ireland. That is why my Department called on the UK Government to bring forward legislation to ban their sale and supply across the UK.
"My Department, and the Department of Justice, have been working very closely with the Home Office on this issue and I believe this new legislation sends out a clear message – these substances are not legal and they certainly are not safe."
(CD)
The Act will prohibit the production, supply and importation of potentially dangerous drugs, often incorrectly called 'legal highs', and will see offenders face up to seven years in prison.
Minister David Ford and Minister Simon Hamilton welcomed the news.
Minister Ford said: "The Psychoactive Substances Act will considerably enhance the powers available to our enforcement agencies to stop those intent on supplying these harmful substances here in Northern Ireland and across the UK.
"The Act is an important milestone in the efforts of the Westminster Government and the Devolved Administrations and represents a significant change in approach to the emergence of these substances."
Minister Simon Hamilton said: "New Psychoactive Substances have caused significant mental and physical health issues in Northern Ireland. That is why my Department called on the UK Government to bring forward legislation to ban their sale and supply across the UK.
"My Department, and the Department of Justice, have been working very closely with the Home Office on this issue and I believe this new legislation sends out a clear message – these substances are not legal and they certainly are not safe."
(CD)
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