New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) were listed as Class A controlled drugs in the First Schedule of the Misuse of Drugs Act on 1 May 2014.
Also known as
- Spice, K2, Bath Salts, Kronic, Bromo-Dragonfly, Mushroom, Synthetic Weed
Description
- New psychoactive substances (NPS) refer to substances that mimic the effects of other controlled drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, Ecstasy, methamphetamine or heroin.
- NPS are produced by introducing slight modifications to the chemical structures of existing NPS and controlled drugs to create new variations that are not yet controlled.
Negative effects
NPS have unknown, dangerous toxicology effects and are as addictive and harmful as controlled drugs. Abuse can lead to
- Severe intoxications1
- Severe toxic reaction leading to death2
- Paranoia3
- Hallucinations4,5
- Adverse cardiovascular problems6
- Renal failure7
- Seizures8,9
Penalties
Possession or consumption of NPS:
- Up to 10 years of imprisonment, or $20,000 fine, or BOTH.
Illegal traffic, manufacture, import or export of NPS:
- Minimum of 5 years of imprisonment with 5 strokes of the cane.
Illegal manufacture of NPS listed as a Class A drug in the First Schedule of the MDA:
- Minimum of 10 years of imprisonment with 5 strokes of the cane.
References
1,2 UNODC leaflet on NPS.
3 US Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration "Drugs of Abuse", 2011 report
4 The Challenge of NPS, UNODC Global Smart Programme 2013
5 US Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration "Drugs of Abuse", 2011 report
6 The Challenge of NPS, UNODC Global Smart Programme 2013
7 The Challenge of NPS, UNODC Global Smart Programme 2013
8 Perspectives on drugs - Synthetic cannabinoids in Europe, by European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction
9 The Challenge of NPS, UNODC Global Smart Programme 2013