Naphyrone Class B Drug

Written by: Essex Drug & Alcohol Action Team
Posted: 23/07/2010 13:01:45

Naphyrone (often called ‘NRG1’ and ‘Energy1’) and its related compounds will become Class B drugs with effect from 00.01 on Friday July 23, 2010.

The control of these substances follows advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) on 7 July 2010.  The ACMD continue to look at the use of so called ‘legal highs’ as a priority.

The drug, which has no known legitimate use, will be banned under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

The legislation includes a generic definition to prevent drug manufacturers tweaking the chemical structure in an attempt to get around the law.

This means it will be illegal to be sell or possess these substance.  As a result of this change in the law there will be a maximum penalty of up to 5 years in jail and an unlimited fine for possession and 14 years in jail and an unlimited fine for supply and trafficking. The importation of these substances into the country has already recently been banned.

Donia Slyzuk, Strategic Manager Essex Drug & Alcohol Action Team said:

"Just because something says it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s safe or harmless to use. We are fully supportive of the government’s commitment to tackle their emerging threat by making these substances illegal.

The Essex Drug & Alcohol Partnership are wholly committed to providing good quality information, advice and education to our communities for all drugs including ‘Legal Highs’ and commission a number of services to treat and rehabilitate users. We will soon launch a campaign to raise awareness of the health harms of Naphyrone and other so called ‘Legal Highs’ and to highlight what the new law means to our communities."

Naphyrone has a chemical structure which is closely related to 'cathinone derivatives'. Therefore, it is sensible to assume that it would share the same risks as other cathinones.

Cathinones can cause anxiety, paranoia, overstimulation of the heart and circulatory system and overexcitation of the nervous system (with the risk of fits).

Other risks include reduced inhibitions, drowsiness, coma, seizures, and death.

Risks, including the risk of death, are likely to be increased if you combine Naphyrone with alcohol or other drugs.

The import of Naphyrone and its related compounds have already been banned and the Home office has confirmed that 3.5 kg of the suspected substances since the ban came into force on 7 July.

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Media Contact : Michelle Baker 01245434651

Notes to Editor

The Essex Drug and Alcohol Partnership (EDAP) works with the communities of Essex to help reduce and prevent usage of illegal drugs and alcohol, minimise their harm, treat and rehabilitate users, reduce related offending and crime and thereby to make a significant contribution to community well being.

EDAP commission Choices provided by Open Road to provided 'Open Access' substance misuse service across Essex (excluding Southend & Thurrock) which includes information, advice, outreach, counseling and referral on to the relevant specialist and non specialist services as required.

EDAP commission a Specialist Children & Young Peoples Drug & Alcohol Service provided by EYPDAS to provide information, support, advice, interventions and treatment across Essex (excluding Southend & Thurrock) for children, young people and families affected by their own or someone else's substance misuse. They also work closely with professionals who are in contact with children and young people affected by substance misuse.

EDAP commission Inside Out a Criminal Justice Interventions Service provided by Westminster Drugs Project (WDP) to reduce drug related crime in Essex (excluding Southend & Thurrock).

For more information and advice on drugs and alcohol and the services available in Essex visit www.essexdrugaction.org

Last Updated on: 25/08/2010 12:52:53