Edinburgh granted powers to stamp out legal highs

Edinburgh has become the first city in Scotland to be given powers to deal with the scourge of legal highs.

New psychoactive substances (NPS) totalling £50,000 were given to Trading Standards by shopkeepers in the last week after being ruled “unsafe” by a sheriff.

Police targeted 13 shops in the city which sell the chemicals. Eight handed over their stock voluntarily after the council commenced legal action.

It was granted forfeiture orders from Edinburgh Sheriff Court governing a considerable number of chemical substances.

NPS have been linked to an increase in mental and physical health problems as well as violence, anti-social behaviour and even death.

Edinburgh city council’s community safety leader, Cammy Day said: “This is a hugely important step in our bid to get rid of so-called legal highs.

“There is overwhelming evidence that they have a devastating effect on individuals as well as communities and we are grateful that the Sheriff Court agreed with the evidence that we presented to back this up.

“The granting of these orders has confirmed our suspicions that these products are dangerous and, as such.

“Trading Standards’ officers now have the power to seize these potentially lethal substances from those who sell them.

“This is not just good news for Edinburgh, but Scotland as a whole. We will continue to work closely with Police Scotland to tackle the damage done by drugs, and NPS in particular, so that the health and well-being of citizens is protected.”

Chief superintendent Mark Williams, of Police Scotland, said: “We’re supporting our colleagues in Trading Standards to prevent the distribution of NPS in the capital and protect people from substances that are not safe.

“Edinburgh is the first local authority area in Scotland to have been granted an NPS forfeiture order.

“We have made it clear to a number of premises that if they do not comply with this order they can expect to face further action, including prosecution.”