A BLANKET ban on so-called “legal highs comes into force today. (thurs)

Sussex Police says it will act in a “practical and proportionate” matter to the new legislation.

The Psychoactive Substances Act bans the production, supply and importation of new legal highs.

Detective Inspector Andy Bennett said; “This new legislation is a very positive step forward.

“Police are ready to enforce the new law and tackle the harm caused in communities by the sale and use of drugs.

“As with all controlled or illegal drugs, our approach will be practical, proportionate and based on the individual circumstances.

“We are committed to reducing the harm caused by all drugs but we cannot do this alone; prevention, education and health service all have a crucial role to play.

"'Head shop' owners and other suppliers have been told what the act means for them and have been given time to adapt to the new law and stop the trading of these potentially dangerous drugs.”

Police will work with local authority trading standards to educate users and potential users about the new law and the risks of taking unknown substances.

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 new legal highs.

Officers have also 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 substances.