Legal Highs & Psychoactive Substances
The use of various psychoactive substances for the purposes of recreation is widespread and range from the legally and generally socially acceptable use of substances such as alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, to prohibited substances listed as "controlled drugs" under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 where possession and supply are sanctioned with potentially long term criminal sentences.
Within the spectrum outlined above lies a number of psychoactive substances that have become commonly known as "legal highs", whether derived from herbal sources or synthetically manufactured and typically not sold for human consumption, nevertheless have a range of psychoactive effects that may be used for recreational use.
The creation, importation and possession of these substances can therefore be controversial as these substances will typically be legally used for some other decorative or industrial use, even though under the relevant legislation (such as the Medicines Act 1968) these substances would unlikely ever be approved for human consumption. The illegality, seizure and destruction of these goods via the condemnation process will therefore depend on the suspicion by the authorities as to the end use of the product and not the existence of the product itself.
Kangs Solicitors can represent companies or individuals who have been alleged to become involved in the importing and selling or distributing of 'legal highs' and in cases where chemicals have been stopped and impounded by Customs and condemnation proceedings begun in order to destroy the goods we can offer advice and assistance.
Condemnation Proceedings
Condemnation Proceedings are civil proceedings although these will usually be held at the Magistrates Court closest to where the substances were seized. Due to strict time limits it is important that a notice of claim is completed and sent to the relevant authority within 1 month of the initial seizure of goods. Therefore should you be affected by this it is important that you contact us without delay so that we can complete the notice of claim and prevent the destruction of the substances seized
Contact:
Mr Mark Jackson
mjackson@kangssolicitors.co.uk
07502 400 093 / 0161 618 1098 / 07989 521 520 (24hr emergency number)