Crime Solicitors

Cumbria County Council Trading Standards and Cumbria Police have joined forces to crack down on so-called legal highs or novel psychoactive substances being supplied in Cumbria.

Acting on intelligence received and local concerns about the supply of legal highs to young people, Trading Standards carried out test purchases at two premises in Barrow-in-Furness.

They found that legal highs were sold to two underage volunteers taking part in the test purchases.

Officers subsequently visited the premises to examine products being offered for sale – and to remind traders of their legal obligation to ensure that the products they sell are safe.

Some of the products deemed unsafe were seized by Trading Standards or voluntarily surrendered by the traders, who will be issued with written warnings about their future conduct.

Where Trading Standards has evidence that products have been mis-described, mislabelled or unsafe, they have power to take action under consumer protection and product safety legislation.

It is also an offence to sell intoxicating substances to persons under 18 years old, if it is suspected they might inhale them.

Cumbria County Council Cabinet Member responsible for Trading Standards, Councillor John McCreesh, said:

“The use of legal highs can potentially have devastating consequences for individuals and their families – yet many are sold in shops on high streets or over the Internet.

“All businesses have a duty of care to ensure that the products they sell are safe – and we will do all we can to protect the public from these dangerous substances, by working alongside police and other agencies.”

Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Public Health, Cllr Ian Stewart, added:

“The fact that a substance is sold as legal does not mean it is safe.

“Many people wrongly assume that these substances are harmless because it is legal to buy them – however, the effects are unpredictable and the risks of taking these substances are increased if combined with alcohol or another drug.

“People may have no idea what they’re actually taking because the substance is not labelled.”

Community Safety Sergeant Jo Smith of South Cumbria Police said

“Contrary to what some may believe, many of these substances being sold as legal highs are actually drugs covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act.

“Our clear warning is for people not to experiment by accepting offers of legal high drugs.

“If you decide to experiment, it could have terrible consequences for your health, life and family.

“Police are working with partners to tackle the issue that our young people are being supplied legal highs within Cumbria – not only will we target these premises, but we will work with our schools in the area to raise awareness of these harmful substances.”

Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers are available 24/7, 365 days a year to advise at any stage of a charge under the Misuse of Drugs Act, including manufacturing drugs, importing and distributing drugs, supplying drugs, possession and selling drugs to a minor.

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

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

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