Also known as ‘new psychoactive substances’ the ban extends to drugs linked to the Class B substance methylphenidate or Ritalin, which is prescribed to children to treat ADHD but widely used recreationally and as a study aid.
They include the most commonly used alternative to cocaine – ethylphenidate – which typically sold in head shops and online for around £15 a gram under the names of Gogaine, Banshee Dust or Burst.
Ministers say users are injecting the drug, putting themselves at risk of blood-borne disease and infection.
A report by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs found: “Ethylphenidate-based products are a growing issue and their use is associated with bizarre and violent behaviour.”
The ACMD recommended that the following four drugs are also banned: 3,4-Dichloromethylphenidate (‘3,4-DCMP’), Methylnaphthidate, Isopropylphenidate and Propylphenidate.
Anyone caught making, supplying or importing the drugs will face up to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.
Possession is not illegal but police and border officials are allowed to search or detain anyone they suspect of having the drugs and seize, keep or dispose of the banned substance.
The year-long ban comes into force this morning, Friday 8 April and lasts for 12 months.
