Import ban of Ivory Wave drug 2-DPMP introduced
The government today banned the importation of a new psychoactive drug found in some samples of the so-called 'legal high' brand Ivory Wave.
The importation ban on 2-DPMP follows advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) which recommended the move to cut the supply of this harmful drug and stop it gaining a foot-hold in the UK.
From today the UK Border Agency is able to seize and destroy any shipments of 2-DPMP found at UK borders.
Crime prevention minister James Brokenshire said: ‘Banning the importation of this harmful substance sends out a clear message to unscrupulous traffickers trying to start a market here for their dangerous drugs.
‘The ACMD’s advice on Ivory Wave reinforces what we already know - that substances touted as ‘legal highs’ contain dangerous and illegal substances.
‘Users need to understand they could be breaking the law and risk seriously damaging their mental and physical health.’
In September, the Minister asked the ACMD to monitor closely the prevalence and harms associated with this new drug found in some samples of ‘Ivory Wave’.
The Council considered the available evidence and recommended immediate steps should be taken to curb its import. The ACMD also noted, based on samples of Ivory Wave, there does not appear to be significant prevalence of 2-DPMP in the UK.
The government has accepted the ACMD’s advice - that banning importation is a proportionate response at this time. We will closely monitor the use and availability of this drug, and are prepared to take further action if necessary.
Notes to editors
Read the ACMD’s official advice to the government.
Further details on the ACMD and their role.
Details of the Open General Import Licence (OGIL), under which an importation ban is made, can be found on the Health and Safety Executive website.
The government has outlined plans to introduce a temporary banning order in 2011 for emerging drugs. Read more details about the temporary banning order.
Industry enquiries about the importation ban of 2-DPMP should be directed to:
Home Office, Drugs Licensing & Compliance Unit, 4th Floor, Fry Building, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF
Email the drugs licensing team
For further information please contact the Home Office Press Office on 020 7035 3535.