NEW LEGISLATION to help prevent harm caused by psychoactive substances – often referred to as ‘legal highs’ – will come into force on Thursday 26 May 2016.

The Psychoactive Substances Act will provide a blanket ban on the production, supply and importation of new psychoactive substances. It will fundamentally change the way the police tackle psychoactive substances and will make new drugs that appear on the market illegal quicker than ever before.

Det Chief Insp Graham Gallagher said: “Sadly we have seen too many people in Lancashire becoming seriously ill after taking legal highs.

“We are committed to reducing the harm caused by all drugs and welcome an educational and preventative approach in the policing of psychoactive substances. Often these substances contain illegal drugs and, when people buy them, they generally have little idea how potent the drug is so they do pose a real danger.

“I would encourage the public to let us know if they believe shops or establishments continue to supply psychoactive substances once the Act commences on 26 May 2016.”

National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for New Psychoactive Substances, Commander Simon Bray added: “This new legislation is a very positive step forward. It highlights the government’s commitment to supporting law enforcement, including the police, in our efforts to combat dangerous drugs. A blanket ban on new psychoactive substances will make it simpler to deal with those drugs which are unsafe but may not yet be controlled. It will also make it easier to tackle so called 'legal highs' which may contain mixtures including already illegal drugs.”

A variety of options exist in enforcing this legislation including prohibition notices, premises notices, prohibition orders and premises orders, which allow police or local authorities to require people to stop stocking, selling or supplying psychoactive substances.

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 psychoactive substances.

While the new Act does not criminalise simple possession of psychoactive substances it will be an offence to possess them within custodial institutions, or anywhere with intent to supply them to another. It is also an offence to import them, including by buying them from a foreign website.

Operations have been taking place across the county to raise awareness of changes to the law. Head shop owners and other suppliers have been given time to adapt to the new laws and stop the trading of these potentially dangerous drugs.

Illegal drugs such as cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy will continue to be controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Information about psychoactive substances can be reported to the police on 101 or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.