Lothian and Borders Police Gets Results After Drugs Ban
Thu 27th May 2010
Mephedrone and related cathinones are now controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. From the 16th April 2010, they became classified as Class B drugs, meaning that they are illegal to be sold and illegal to possess. The consequences of Class B classification are now a maximum penalty of 5 years in jail and an unlimited fine for possession and 14 years and unlimited fine for supply. The importation of these substances into the country has already been banned.
Mephedrone overstimulates the nervous system, which can lead to fits, and it also overstimulates the heart and circulation. Its use may even lead to death. Taking higher doses or bingeing would substantially increase the risks of suffering serious harm. If mephedrone is used with alcohol, the health risks are also greater.
Since coming into force Lothian and Borders Police have made five arrests for Mephedrone related offences. They have acted on the ban with immediate effect taking more drugs off the streets of Edinburgh and the Lothians, sending out a clear message that possession, use or the dealing of drugs will not be tolerated in our communties.
I lodged a motion in parliament to this effect:
S3M-06428 George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): Lothian and Borders Police Gets Results After Drugs Ban - That the Parliament commends Lothian and Borders Police on securing five arrests for offences relating to the drug, mephedrone, within just one month of mephedrone and related cathinones being banned under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; recognises that it was the previous Labour government that took action to ban the substance, now equipping police forces with the necessary enforcement powers to crack down on those dealing in mephedrone; notes that Class B drugs carry a maximum prison sentence of five years for possession and a maximum prison sentence of 14 years for supplying and other trafficking offences; is aware of the increasingly devastating impact that drugs have on communities across Scotland, and joins Scotland's police forces in sending out a clear message that possession and use of this drug or any illegal drug will not be tolerated.
With increased police powers and multi agency working we can continue to tackle the culture of drugs that has become so devastating to individuals, families and communities across Scotland.
Tags: Drugs.
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