Range of headshop products to be outlawed by summer – Fahey

A range of products sold in headshops are to be banned by the Government by June, according to Galway West Fianna Fáil TD Frank Fahey.

Products known as Spice, Charge+, Snow Blow, White Ice, Magic, Liquid Ecstacy, BZP Derivatives and Mephedrone are all to be made illegal.

Welcoming the news, Deputy Fahey said that this is just one step in the Government approach to regulating the industry.

“I am delighted that a number of products sold in head shops are to be banned soon. Products known as Spice, Charge+, Snow Blow, White Ice, BZP Derivatives and Mephedrone, have all been added to a list for banning in Ireland. The substance Mephedrone has not yet been banned in the US or the UK so Ireland is taking a very proactive approach to tackling this problem head on.”

“I called for the outright banning of these products at that start of this year. I have met with the Minister with Responsibility for Drugs John Curran TD about it on a number of occasions, and I am glad that such quick action has been taken.”

“There is no doubt that these shops represent a significant threat to young and vulnerable people.”

“The Government is taking a cross departmental approach to this problem and planning laws and consumer laws are other areas that are currently being investigated.”

“The Department of Health will move forward now and take the necessary measures to ban the products and the Government will notify the EU of the list. By June these products will be illegal for sale or possession.”

“The National Advisory Committee on Drugs and the Gardaí will also continue to monitor products that are sold in Headshops. Any product that proves to have any detrimental health affects will be added to this controlled list for banning.”