Trading standards staff given new guidance for legal highs

Trading standards staff have been given a “vital tool” for closing retailers of legal highs ahead of upcoming legislation addressing their prevalence, according to legal affairs minister Paul Wheelhouse.

New guidance has been issued by the Scottish government, which councils, police, and NHS boards hope can help eliminate the sale of legal highs - both online and offline.

Officials refuse to identify the tactics that will be used against retailers, but have reportedly had success using General Product Safety Regulations.

The UK government is planning to introduce a Psychoactive Substances Bill next year with a view to criminalising the manufacture, distribution, sale and supply of legal highs, officially known as “new psychoactive substances” (NPS).

Earlier this year, Home Office minister Mike Penning said the legislation would give law enforcement agencies “greater power” to tackle the trade.

However, Mr Wheelhouse said it was “important that all efforts are made to protect the people of Scotland between now and the introduction of the new legislation next year”.

He added: “ will be a vital tool for trading standards staff on the frontline in enabling them to take action against the unscrupulous and profit-driven suppliers of these dangerous substances and to thwart the efforts of any organised criminal gangs involved who care nothing for the damage they cause.”