Lincoln MP hopes fewer deaths will occur following legal high ban

As a suspected user is found dead in a car park, an MP from Lincolnshire is hoping that new legislation regarding legal high drugs will result in fewer deaths.

59-year-old Brian Dunne, who was found dead in Boston’s Tunnard Street car park, was reportedly a user of legal high substances. At present it is lawful for people to sell legal highs from their homes, with this practice understood to be occurring in the Boston area.

MP Matt Warman has met with staff from Trading Standards to tackle the legal high problem and it is understood that the organisation is already pursuing criminal investigations.

Mr Warman commented: “Trading Standards have already seized huge quantities of dangerous substances, and new legislation will make tackling these potentially lethal drugs much easier because it introduces a blanket ban. Police and other law enforcement agencies will have powers to seize and destroy new psychoactive substances, which experts believe will mean fewer deaths and fewer people ending up seriously ill in hospital.”

The new legislation will mean that it is a criminal act to manufacture, supply or offer to supply; to have possession with a supplying intent; and to import or export the dangerous psychoactive drugs. Those caught could face up to seven years in prison. Authorities will also be able to stop and search vehicles and people, to search premises, and to seize and destroy the drugs.