NEW legislation on legal highs will come in to force on Thursday.

The Psychoactive Substances Act will provide a blanket ban on the production, supply and importation of new psychoactive substances.

Work have been taking place across Gwent to raise awareness of changes to the law.

Head shop owners and other potential suppliers have been given time to adapt to the new laws and stop the trading of these potentially dangerous substances.

Gwent Police has worked with local authorities to educate users and potential users about the new law and the risks of taking unknown substances.

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for new psychoactive substances, commander Simon Bray said: “This new legislation is a very positive step forward.

"Police are ready to enforce the new law and tackle the harm caused in communities by the sale and use of drugs. As with all drugs, our approach will be practical, proportionate and based on the individual circumstances.

"Forces are committed to reducing the harm caused by all drugs but we cannot do this alone; prevention, education and health service all have a crucial role to play”

A variety of options exist in enforcing this legislation including prohibition notices, premises notices, prohibition orders and premises orders, which allow police or local authorities to require people to stop stocking, selling or supplying psychoactive substances.

Officers have also been given powers to stop and search people, vehicles and vessels, enter and search premises in accordance with a warrant, and to seize and destroy psychoactive substances.

Gwent Police chief inspector,Nick McLain said: “We welcome this new legislation and the positive effect it will bring to helping us tackle the harm these illegal substances can cause.

"The term 'legal highs' is interpreted by some as meaning safe. Nothing could be further from the truth and this new legislation is a positive step forward in helping to keep our communities safe from the destructive supply and use of drugs.”

The police and crime commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, said: “I welcome the new legislation on New Psychoactive Substances as it sends out a clear message about the dangers of taking these substances.

"Prior to the new legislation, these substances were available through so called ‘Head Shops’ in our local cities and towns. This has had a detrimental effect on some of our local communities, encouraging youngsters to hang around the streets, fuelling anti-social behaviour. NPS can ruin lives and not addressing the harms associated with these substances causes misery and harm to individuals, families and our communities.”

Gwent Police are encouraging the public to let them know if they believe shops or establishments continue to supply psychoactive substances once the Act commences on Thursday, May 26. If you have any information on this issue, please call 101.