POLICE are to gain new insight into the making and distribution of so-called “legal highs” thanks to a new dedicated research centre.
Now illegal in the UK, more than 600 new psychoactive substances (NPS) have been recorded in Europe since 2008, including Spice, which is a constantly changing material containing a mix of strong man-made cannabinoids.
The substance has been linked to a number of deaths, including two last month in Salford and Somerset, while research suggests up to 95 per cent of Manchester’s homeless population smoke the substance, which sells for around £5-£10 per gram, and users claim it is harder to quit than heroin.
Meanwhile, synthetic opioids known as fentanyls, either taken alone or mixed with heroin, are said to have contributed to a spate of overdoses in North America.
Now the Centre for Excellence in New Psychoactive Substances Research aims to help “tackle the emerging epidemic of highly addictive new drugs” in Scotland.
Sited at Dundee University, the facility marks a step forward in forensic drug capabilities in the country and will conduct research as part of a broader initiative with the Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services and the Scottish Government.
Often imported from Chinese labs, Spice and similar substances were initially sold legally as plant food until a Westminster crackdown saw them banned amidst rising public safety fears.
The supply and production of other types not already specified by the ban became illegal last May under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.
However, Professor Niamh NicDaeid, who will lead the centre alongside Dr Craig McKenzie, said crime and health agencies face a real struggle to gain a hold on use of the substances as more are produced.
It is hoped that the work of the centre, which will see experts from neuroscience, forensics and medicine collaborate, will influence action not only in Scotland, but around the world.
NicDaeid said: “NPS are often referred to incorrectly as ‘legal highs’. Many of these drugs have actually been controlled under UK drugs legislation in recent years.
“However, there are constantly emerging new drugs, many of them highly addictive and causing significant problems not just in the UK but in many countries around the world.
“We need to do more to understand the nature of these drugs, identify the threats posed by new drugs, and work across services to tackle the challenges they present.”
McKenzie said: “The issues of NPS and other emerging drug threats are complex but it is clear many of these drugs can be extremely addictive and harmful.
“Our centre will support meaningful, targeted research to increase our understanding of such substances, help to reduce harm and support frontline services.”
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