Police Raid 'Head Shop' In Wolverhampton And Find 'Legal Highs'
3 July 2016, 07:26
So-called legal highs have been seized by West Midlands Police after concerns a shop in Wolverhampton was still selling them.
Officers raided the Smokers Den in Queens Square, Wolverhampton, and recovered sachets previously known as ‘legal highs’.
It’s the first time such legislation has been used against a head shop in the West Midlands region and follows intelligence suggesting the products were covertly still being offered for sale.
Police searched the business on Wednesday 22 June and officers found packets hidden away; the premises has now been closed indefinitely following discussions with the landlord.
A 61-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of the supply of a psychoactive substance and has been bailed pending further enquiries.
The Psychoactive Substances Act (PSA) was introduced at the end of May and bans the production, supply and importation of the now illegal highs.
Police officers have been visiting shops to reinforce the law change and remind traders that anyone found offering products for sale can face a seven-year jail term.
Chief Inspector Simon Inglis, force lead for drugs at West Midlands Police, said: "This is the first time we have taken action against a head shop in this way but we will continue to do so.
"We said earlier in the year that we would be watching these shops and we would be coming back to check they had removed their stocks of these harmful substances.
"Our message to others who continue to sell these products either on open display or in a covert manner is clear: we are watching and will proactively enforce the new legislation and intervene in order to protect our young and vulnerable people.
"There are serious health risks attached to such products and research has shown many actually contain Class A and Class B controlled drugs - anybody using them is taking a serious risk with their health."
Anyone with information about shops or establishments which are believed to still be supplying psychoactive substances can call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
