Police make first arrest under The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016

Police make first arrest under The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016

Police enforcing new legislation, making the sale of New Psychoactive Substances ('legal highs') illegal, have made an arrest.

A 23-year-old man from Rochdale was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug. He remains in custody for questioning.

At around 11am, the man was arrested in Baillie Street under The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 which came into force on Thursday.

Two men who were arrested yesterday, Wednesday 25 May, on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class B drugs have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Detective Inspector Andy Butterworth, GMP Rochdale, said: “This legislation is not even a day old and we’ve already made an arrest which I hope goes to show just how serious Greater Manchester Police is about ensuring this law is abided by.

“It is now a criminal offence to sell psychoactive substances, which were previously more widely known as ‘legal highs’ so if you suspect a shop or business is continuing to supply them then please contact police.

“These are potentially lethal highs, not legal highs, and we will work vigorously to enforce this new legislation where necessary to protect the people of Greater Manchester.”

If you believe a shop or business is continuing to supply psychoactive substances please contact 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.