The number of UK deaths linked to so-called ‘legal highs’ has risen in recent years – from 10 in 2009, 42 in 2010, 51 in 2011 and to at least 68 in 2012, figures show. Researchers compiled post-mortem test results for the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths.
Designed to mimic the effects of illegal drugs, ‘legal highs’ are chemically different enough not to be covered by the law. They are on sale openly on websites and in High Streets across the UK.
The chemicals known as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are made on an industrial scale in countries like China and India and then packaged and distributed throughout Europe.
The government says it is leading the way globally by banning new drugs quickly.
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