A BLANKET ban on the production, supply and importation of legal highs has come into force today (Thursday).

Police officers will now be able to search suspects and vehicles with the power to seize and destroy the new psychoactive substances.

Through the new Psychoactive Substances Act, those caught with the intent to supply such drugs will face a jail term of up to seven years.

West Midlands Police has worked with councils across the region to warn traders of the now criminal offence and highlight the potentially lethal consequences of such products.

Further visits to all ‘head shops’ will take place in partnership with Trading Standards.

Those found offering the products for sale will face prosecution and action taken to close their establishment down.

Chief Inspector Simon Inglis, force lead for drugs at West Midlands Police, said: “This new legislation is a very positive step forward.

"We are ready to enforce the new law and tackle the harm caused in communities by the sale and use of such substances.

"The term ‘legal highs’ may have given the impression they are safe but there are serious health risks and young and vulnerable people are playing Russian roulette with their lives.”

He continued: "There is a growing amount of evidence that new psychoactive substances can cause considerable harm and research has shown that a proportion of these products actually contain controlled class A and B drugs.

“Those people who sell these products and hide behind the term ‘not for human consumption’ will no longer have any place to hide.

"We are committed to reducing the harm caused by all drugs but we cannot do this alone; prevention, education and health service all have a crucial role to play."

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.

For facts on drugs and new psychoactive substances visit www.talktofrank.com.