Wolverhampton head shop closed after police seize newly illegal highs
A shopkeeper has been arrested after police swooped on a store in Wolverhampton and seized a haul of drugs, previously known as legal highs.
It is the first time new legislation targeting stores suspected of selling psychoactive substances, which was introduced at the end of May, has been used against a shop in the West Midlands.
The premises has now been closed indefinitely following discussions with the landlord.
Officers executed a warrant at the Smokers Den in Queens Square and recovered six sachets of the substances which used to be referred to as legal highs.
The raid follows intelligence suggesting the products were covertly still being offered for sale.
A search warrant was executed on the business last week and officers found packets hidden away.
A 61-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of the supply of a psychoactive substance and has been bailed pending further enquiries.
The Psychoactive Substances Act was introduced at the end of May and bans the production, supply and importation of the now illegal highs.
Police officers have been visiting shops to reinforce the law change and remind traders anyone found offering products for sale can face a seven-year jail term.
Chief Inspector Simon Inglis, force lead for drugs at West Midlands Police, said: "This is the first time we have taken action against a head shop in this way but we will continue to do so.
"We said earlier in the year that we would be watching these shops and we would be coming back to check they had removed their stocks of these harmful substances.
"Our message to others who continue to sell these products either on open display or in a covert manner is clear: we are watching and will proactively enforce the new legislation and intervene in order to protect our young and vulnerable people.
"There are serious health risks attached to such products and research has shown many actually contain Class A and Class B controlled drugs - anybody using them is taking a serious risk with their health."
Anyone with information about shops or establishments which are believed to still be supplying psychoactive substances is urged to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
