Legislation will be introduced into State Parliament this week to close a legal loophole and clamp down on the promotion, sale and supply of new psychoactive substances.

Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said the Misuse of Drugs Amendment (Psychoactive Substances) Bill 2015 would close a regulatory gap which enabled these new substances to be sold.

“People manufacturing these drugs have continued to introduce new chemical derivatives of substances which have been banned, resulting in governments around the world having to ‘catch up’ using existing legislation,” Mrs Morton said.

“These synthetic drugs can cause serious health problems including tremors, chest pains, increased heart rate and blood pressure, seizures and an altered mental state. The legislation will help remove these substances from circulation.

“In addition we will provide education for local retailers and suppliers about the dangers associated with psychoactive substances and the new laws.”

Police Minister Liza Harvey said the legislation would allow WA Police to exercise appropriate powers.

“The Bill provides WA Police with the power to seize and destroy a substance that has, or is said to have a psychoactive effect,” Mrs Harvey said.

“These substances are extremely frightening for any parent worried their children might have access to them and the Government has moved to eradicate them from shop shelves.

“This Bill will control these potentially harmful substances that have no legitimate use and help remove them from circulation in Western Australia.”