Crime Solicitors

A new law to tackle psychoactive substance has received Royal Assent – the landmark Bill is intended to end the trade in harmful psychoactive substances.

The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 will prohibit the production, supply and importation of these potentially dangerous drugs. The new legislation will give police and other law enforcement agencies greater powers to tackle the trade in psychoactive substances – and will see offenders face up to seven years in prison.

Having undergone extensive Parliamentary and public scrutiny, the Psychoactive Substances Act is due to be implemented from Spring this year.

The National Crime Agency will continue working with the online industry and international partners to close websites selling controlled psychoactive substances in the UK and tackle the associated organised crime.

Minister for Preventing Abuse and Exploitation Karen Bradley said:

“We cannot – and should not – tolerate the open sale on our high streets and over the Internet of these potentially harmful substances. That’s why we are imposing a blanket ban.

“This landmark Psychoactive Substances Act will fundamentally change the way we tackle these drugs and put an end to unscrupulous suppliers profiting from their trade.

“Our message is clear: offenders will face up to seven years in prison.

“But we know that legislation is not the silver bullet – and we continue to take action across education, prevention, treatment and recovery in order to reduce harmful drug use.”

In 2015, there were 129 deaths in England, Scotland and Wales as a result of psychoactive drugs.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Lawyers

Duncan Lewis criminal lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge involving the manufacturing, importing, distributing or the supply of Class A and Class B drugs.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a criminal defence solicitor can usually attend a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

For expert legal advice on drugs offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal lawyers on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.