Falklands : ‘LEGAL HIGHS’ BANNED IN THE FALKLANDS
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 02.06.2012 (Article Archived on 16.06.2012)
Following concerns from the Medical Department and members of the public, Executive Council this week approved an Order that prohibits the import of psychoactive substances (known as legal highs) with immediate effect.
‘LEGAL HIGHS’ BANNED IN THE FALKLANDS
By J. Brock (FINN)
Following concerns from the Medical Department and members of the public, Executive Council this week approved an Order that prohibits the import of psychoactive substances (known as legal highs) with immediate effect.
Customs were first alarmed at increasing amounts of unidentifiable substances being brought into the Falklands packaged as ‘legal highs’ and made note of who was receiving them but it wasn’t until the public meeting on Monday, 21 may that the full extent of concern from all sectors of the community was known
Information from the RFIP, Customs, Health & Education on these substances indicates that they pose a significant risk to the health of individuals using them and that they were being made available to young people in the community. These substances are designed to mimic the effects of illegal drugs. They are made from assorted herbs, chemicals or a mixture of compounds and have not undergone any research or testing as to their effect on humans. Taking into account all the information and concerns Executive Council agreed that the import of these substances should be prohibited.
The “Prohibition of Psychoactive Substances Order 2012” means that from Friday 25 May 2012 Customs Officers are able to seize any substances imported that they reasonably believe to be a psychoactive substance. There is a right of appeal available and if the person importing the substances can show that it is not a psychoactive substance then the goods will be returned to them. If there is no appeal or the appeal fails the substances can be destroyed.
The message of the Order is clear; the importation of legal highs is now banned.
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