HOME OFFICE News
Release (091/2009) issued by COI News Distribution Service on 21 May 2009
New controls for a
range of substances including GBL were set out today in two public
consultations launched by the Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.
The aim is to prevent the misuse of GBL, 1,4 BD, BZP and a range
of anabolic steroids as part of the Home Office's drug
strategy and its commitment to responding to the changing drugs
environment and emerging threats to public health.
GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) and its precursor 1,4 BD
(1,4-butanediol) have wide legitimate uses as solvents but can be
converted into the Class C controlled drug GHB
(gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) in the body. The consultation sets out
three options for control and invites industry, commerce and the
general public to set out to the Government the potential impacts
of the different approaches. These responses will inform the
action that Government takes forward.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:
"I am determined that we respond to the dangers of these
drugs and that is why I have committed to controlling them. It is
absolutely right that we continue to adapt our drug policy to the
changing environment of substance
misuse.
"This is the next step in tackling the unregulated market of
so called 'legal highs'."
The second consultation sets out the Government's intention
to control BZP (1- benzylpiperazine) as a Class C drug. It also
makes clear the Home Office's aim, in line with the advice
published today from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs,
to control a group of related compounds or substituted piperazines
that have the same or very similar harms to BZP.
The consultation also sets out the Government's intention to
update the list of steroids currently controlled as Class C drugs
by adding a further 24 anabolic steroids and two non-steroidal
substances to the class.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. To view the consultations go to http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/haveyoursay/current-consultations/
2. For more information on the Home Office drug strategy visit:
http://www.drugs.gov.uk
3. The consultation on GBL sets out a number of options for the
control:
* Full control of GBL as a class C drug prohibiting
possession, supply, production and importation/exportation;
*
Control of GBL as a class C drug with a licensing regime to permit
industrial use; and
* Banning possession and supply where it
is intended for human use only, leaving industry and commercial
use unaffected.
4. For more information contact the Home Office press office
newdesk 020 7035 3535