The top police officer in Angus has said “the handcuffs are off” over the sale of so-called legal highs in the county.
Angus area commander Chief Inspector Gordon Milne was “heartened” by the Queen’s Speech, which outlined plans for new laws which will make it an offence to produce, supply, import or export new psychoactive substances.
The maximum penalty for anyone caught would be seven years in prison.
The last remaining shop to sell “legal highs” in Angus is Evapeolution in Montrose, and a petition to end their sale has 250 signatures.
“Up until now we’ve been operating with our hands tied behind our back, but this will take the handcuffs off,” said Chief Inspector Milne.
“It will open up all sorts of new possibilities, including seizing money under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
“We’ve been working on this since October 2013 and it feels like another breakthrough has been made now.
“Here in Angus we’ve been at the forefront of dealing with it and learning about the issues they cause.”
Montrose councillor David May said: “It is good to hear that so-called legal highs will be banned in future. It is high time the shop in Montrose stopped selling these harmful drugs.
“The owners now have a very clear warning that they will soon be on the wrong side of the law and they should stop selling these substances straight away.”
Local campaigner Sanjay Samani urged for some caution over what could constitute “over-criminalisation” of those with mental health issues.
Mr Samani said: “I am worried that the Tory plans may criminalise people with mental health issues.
“We hope the Government will listen to the full recommendations from last year’s Home Office report.
“The Government needs to take care to ensure the new laws are targeted and effective.”