Imprisonment could result for those caught with so-called legal highs

The police in Staffordshire have warned the public that if they are found with synthetic cannabinoids, such as Black Mamba and Spice, they will be liable to a fine that is unlimited or could even serve a prison sentence of up to five years.

These so-called legal highs are relatively easy to obtain and comparatively cheap, however, they are now strictly illegal and are classified as Class B drugs that are unlawful to supply or just have in your possession.

Black Mamba and Spice are very popular with users of such substances and they present a particular problem in UK prisons. The drugs are thought to have contributed to the recent unrest seen in some establishments.

What worries the authorities is the undesirable effects that are often experienced by users. These include; seizures and fits, tremors, pains in the chest, thoughts about self-harm and even suicide, severe mood swings, schizophrenia, anxiety and paranoia. That prompted the authorities to place the substances into the same category as Cannabis under the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971.

Some UK users have died as a direct result of using these dangerous chemical mixtures. Cases have also been seen where a user has lapsed into a coma after using the drugs.

Staffordshire Police officer, Detective Sergeant Chris Roberts, works in the force’s integrated offender management unit. He told the Staffordshire Newsletter: “Drugs like black mamba and spice are illegal to possess, illegal to supply and they are dangerous. Please do not think there are any exceptions.

“If you are found in possession of a drug like this you could be arrested and face punishment. When so little is known about what makes up these drugs it just isn’t worth the risk.”