Carmarthenshire councillors welcome proposed ban on legal highs

Leading councillors in Carmarthenshire have welcomed a proposed ban on legal highs.
The move was unveiled in the Queen’s Speech this week as part of a 26-bill package put forward by the Government at Westminster.
Carmarthenshire’s trading standards team has carried out a recent crackdown on so-called ‘legal highs’.
An illegal product was seized from two Carmarthenshire businesses, and another business voluntarily surrendered it, as part of the initiative.
The team has been working with the Home Office to bring about changes in the law which will allow them greater powers.
Executive Board Member for Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “This proposed change in the law is good news, which we welcome.
“In many cases our hands are tied behind our backs, as the current law does not allow us to take the kind of action we would like to get these products off the shelves.”
Officers are continuing to seize illegal products from businesses, and to advise businesses about the sale of so-called legal highs.
Executive Board Member for Community Safety Cllr Pam Palmer said: “Just because these products are technically legal it does not mean they are safe.
“Some local users have experienced severe reactions, even resulting in being treated in hospital.
“We want to ensure the safety of the public and we are glad that these new measures, when introduced, will allow us further powers to act.”