Two people in Northern Ireland have been referred to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) over offences under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.

Justice Minister Claire Sugden revealed the charges in response to a written question in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

She told MLAs: “Since the introduction of the Psychoactive Substances Act, two people have been charged with possession of new psychoactive substances and files are currently with the PPS.

“A further two people are currently on investigation bail pending forensic analysis of the substances seized.

“The PSNI continue to mount operations to identify, detect and disrupt the sale of new psychoactive substances.”

The ban on psychoactive substances came into force across the UK in May 2016, despite controversy over how successfully it will deter people from using the substances.

There have been no prosecutions in Northern Ireland so far.