Possession of some new psychoactive substances to be criminalised

The possession of certain new psychoactive substances (NPS) is set to be criminalised on the initiative of Health Minister Simon Harris.

The manufacture and distribution of new psychoactive substances has been criminalised in Ireland since 2010.

Manufacture and distribution was also criminalised in Northern Ireland this year through the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.

Mr Harris is now seeking cross-party support in the Dáil to make it an offence to possess certain NPS for personal use.

It would bring control of the substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The substances in question are “Clockwork Orange”, Zopiclone, and two types of “NBOMs”, according to the Sunday Independent.

The new laws are intended to help gardaí tackle drug-dealing gangs.

A source in the Department of Health reportedly told the paper: “The minister has succeeded in dramatically speeding up this bill in order to give the gardai what they need to deal with this insidious and dangerous gangland crime.

“He has reached out to the Opposition and hopes there will be cross-party support for its swift passage.”