Police Scotland warns committee of serious dangers posed by legal highs

The single force made the statements in a submission to a consultation being undertaken by the committee.

Its report, due to be published today, will conclude that attempts to deal with new psychoactive substances (NPS) have been rushed and are unclear.

NPS are available in so-called “head shops” with other drug paraphernalia and are ostensibly sold as plant food or bath salts as retailers cannot sell them as food fit for humans.

Sergeant Neil Wilson, of Police Scotland’s Edinburgh division, who is also a former research chemist told The Scotsman: “The impact of the NPS situation on Edinburgh’s communities cannot be underestimated.

“Needle discards present a real health risk, antisocial behaviour in the vicinity of head shops is entrenched and overt injecting is often witnessed by members of the public.

“Individuals under the influence are generally unaware of their actions and frequently place themselves in potentially harmful situations such as walking in heavy traffic and behaving in an irrational and chaotic manner.”

He added: “NPS impacts on policing on a daily basis, burdening already stretched resources and often placing officers in challenging and dangerous situations.

“It also results in users, who wouldn’t normally exhibit violent tendencies or commit crime, finding themselves in police custody as a result of their actions whilst under the influence.”

The committee expressed concern with legislation aimed at tackling the “overwhelming” problem of legal highs.

Chairman of the committee, Keith Vaz, said: “Britain uses more psychoactive substances than any other country in Europe and is at risk of being overwhelmed by the sheer scale of this problem.

“Legislating on this issue is the right thing to do; however doing so at speed without any consultation may be counterproductive.”