According to the crime commissioner, discrepancies in the new law, which aim at banning psychoactive substances, could result to extra confusion and expense for the police.

If the new law will come into force soon, there could be lack of clarity on banning the possession of future, new legal highs.  He added that he found it weird that the NPS Bill that will ban trading any substances possessing psychoactive effects will not make possession a criminal offense, leading to issues and expenses for the investigating police officers.

On this ground, the new law on legal highs will get individuals arrested and drugs confiscated for testing but they will not be prosecuted. An expert revealed that testing of suspected drugs alone cost £100.

Even in the middle of debates and controversies surrounding the new bill, it passed the final stages; thus, it is expected that NPS will be signed into law by April this year.

What Are Novel Psychoactive Substances?

They are legal highs or designer drugs claimed to possess the same effects as with controlled or banned drugs, but they’re not under drug laws.

Previously, the crime commissioner called for and supported the decriminalization of possession so that the police can focus on and chasing after the dealers themselves.

However, the discrepancies in the law, including the banning between NPSs and controlled drugs, also meant that it would be more unclear to authorities whether or not alleged suspects are actually breaking the law.

He added that the new law would not help for NOT INCLUDING POSSESSION as a criminal offence or decriminalizing possession of all types of drugs. In this case, he suspected that they would find a mixed bag and it will be very hard for authorities to decide.

The ACPO Guidance on drug crimes states any suspected substances must be classified controlled drugs, until they’re proven otherwise.

Do you agree that the new psychoactive substances bill could hinder the police due to its discrepancies and why or why not? Your opinion matters! Share your comment below.