Shop raids mark start of ‘legal highs’ campaign
Police in Edinburgh yesterday executed search warrants at three premises following intelligence that New Psychoactive Substances – so-called ‘legal highs’ – were being sold there.
Around 70 officers from across the city were involved in the activity, which took place in the Leith Walk, Newington and Wester Hailes areas as part of a national operation to stem the sales of these items and to raise awareness as to their risks.
Representatives from Scotland Fire and Rescue, City of Edinburgh Council Trading Standards and Environmental Health also carried out visits to a further eight premises to provide appropriate guidance on legislation and licensing issues relating to NPS.
Over 3,000 sachets of substances were seized from the three stores and have been sent for further analysis.
The operation is being backed by a two-week nationwide campaign to help raise awareness of the dangers of taking New Psychoactive Substances.
The campaign is aimed at young people aged 11-18 year-old as well as their parents and teachers. It also targets young professionals aged 25-35 years and will include a national radio commercial.
Posters and screens highlighting this issue will also be on display in train stations and on local buses across the country.
Furthermore, a range of initiatives are taking place with local community officers visiting schools, youth groups and community events to help raise awareness and educate young people on the dangers of NPS.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Houston, who led yesterday’s activity said: “Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and to stopping the sale of any substances, which may cause harm to our communities.
“The items seized during the operation will now be subject to detailed analysis and we will be continuing to engage with our various partner agencies throughout.
“Enforcement, however, is only a small part of this operation and we are keen to educate the public on all the associated risks of NPS so that less people are inclined to buy and consume them.
“School Liaison Officers and Community Policing Teams will be engaging heavily with the public in the coming weeks in relation to the dangers of New Psychoactive Substances.
“I would strongly urge our communities never to consume any of the NPS material currently being sold at premises across the country. They may contain extremely harmful chemicals, which could seriously impact upon your long-term health.”
Further information on NPS can be found at:
- www.scotland.police.uk
- www.knowthescore.info
- www.choicesforlifeonline.org
- www.sdf.org.uk
- www.angelusfoundation.org
- www.re-solv.org
- www.sfad.org.uk
If you have any information about NPS, or indeed any drug activity, contact the police on 101 or, in an emergency by dialling 999.
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