Police welcome ban on K2 substances as synthetic cannabinoids increasingly linked to crime
Police welcome ban on K2 substances as synthetic cannabinoids increasingly linked to crime
Monday, 13 May 2013 - 9:19am
Police welcome a ban on two substances found in K2 synthetic cannabis and will be vigilant in enforcing the law to reduce the product's harmful effects on the community, says Deputy Commissioner Mike Bush.
The ban on substances BB-22 and 5F-AKB48 came into effect on 9 May. It was initiated by Associate Minister of Health Peter Dunne under the Temporary Class Drug Notice (TCDN) legislation. Both substances have been found in K2 products.
"Aside from the potentially serious health effects such as increased heart-rate and seizures, Police are finding that K2 and similar substances are becoming an increasingly concerning factor in a number of crimes, including violent offending. This is being driven by people either committing crime to get their hands on these drugs, or committing crimes while on them."
Mr Bush says Police welcome the strong stance taken by Mr Dunne, which will strengthen the ability of Police and other agencies concerned about the harm caused by synthetic cannabinoids.
The active content in synthetic cannabinoid products is contained in a chemical solution that is sprayed onto the plant material – with the two new banned substances part of a growing list of prohibited chemicals, currently numbering 35.
Police will continue to work under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and with other agencies to proactively enforce the law and educate the community about the impact of these drugs.
The ban on substances BB-22 and 5F-AKB48 came into effect on 9 May. It was initiated by Associate Minister of Health Peter Dunne under the Temporary Class Drug Notice (TCDN) legislation. Both substances have been found in K2 products.
"Aside from the potentially serious health effects such as increased heart-rate and seizures, Police are finding that K2 and similar substances are becoming an increasingly concerning factor in a number of crimes, including violent offending. This is being driven by people either committing crime to get their hands on these drugs, or committing crimes while on them."
Mr Bush says Police welcome the strong stance taken by Mr Dunne, which will strengthen the ability of Police and other agencies concerned about the harm caused by synthetic cannabinoids.
The active content in synthetic cannabinoid products is contained in a chemical solution that is sprayed onto the plant material – with the two new banned substances part of a growing list of prohibited chemicals, currently numbering 35.
Police will continue to work under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and with other agencies to proactively enforce the law and educate the community about the impact of these drugs.