More than 600 shops visited so far
Fair Trading Assistant Commissioner Robert Vellar today congratulated retailers across the state for their co-operation with Fair Trading inspectors in removing potentially life threatening synthetic drugs from sale.
Mr Vellar, who is overseeing the agency’s biggest education and compliance campaign in its history, said the majority of retailers had promptly responded by removing newly banned products from shelves.
More than 100 NSW Fair Trading officers are involved in statewide trader visits to ensure compliance with a new interim product safety ban on a range of synthetic drugs.
Officers visited 219 outlets yesterday and found 21 retailers still had product on sale or in stock. Today, another 391 shops were visited and 20 of those were found with product on sale or in stock.
Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts announced an interim ban on 19 named synthetic drugs, including cannabinoids and bath salts, under Section 109 of the Australian Consumer Law, on Sunday 9 June.
The ban is in place for up to 90 days and applies to the sale and supply of named synthetic drugs that can cause significant harm and injury to consumers.
The ban follows a Parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee report, Law Reform Issues Regarding Synthetic Drugs, tabled on 30 May this year.
The report noted synthetic drugs contain chemical substances artificially developed to mimic the effects of illegal drugs such as cannabis, cocaine and methamphetamine.
Synthetic drugs have been widely reported to cause psychotic episodes and sometimes fatalities and the product safety ban applies to products that are the equivalent of those specified in the order. The order and list of banned drugs can be found at Fair Trading website.
Mr Vellar said anyone with information about retailers supplying synthetic drugs should advise Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or the NSW Police Force.
Fair Trading officers will continue visiting retailers around the state for the rest of this week.
Contact details
NSW Fair trading enquiries: 13 32 20