POLICE have released figures on the number of offences recorded in the 12 months since the Psychoactive Substances Act came into force.

The legislation outlawed so called ‘legal highs’ which included substances such as Spice.

Since the ban came into force, West Yorkshire Police have recorded 19 offences, and a number of premises that had previously sold ‘legal highs’ have stopped doing so or have closed down.

Of the offences, 12 were for possession with intent to supply, four were for supplying psychoactive substances, and three were for bringing or having psychoactive substances in prison.

Front line officers have also been given specific training on psychoactive substances.

Detective Chief Inspector Warren Stevenson said the police have seen “significant compliance” from people who were previously selling and distributing the substances.

He said: “This is exactly what the legislation set out to achieve.

“Being unable to access these substances has had a significant positive impact on our communities.

“Previously, shops selling these substances were also often the epicentre of anti-social behaviour and officers were often being called to the locations following concerns.

“We have seen the market for these substances pushed underground with drug dealers selling them alongside their usual commodities.

“This has enabled police to investigate psychoactive substance offences alongside other usual drug crimes.?

“We are committed to tackling both the sale and distribution psychoactive substances and controlled drugs across West Yorkshire and will use all legislation available to do so to keep our communities safe.”

People who have any information or suspicions regarding psychoactive substances and their supply or production, can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Jon Royle, chief executive of the Bridge Project, said: “Although the numbers in treatment for these substances remain very low, we are aware that they are widely available on the black market.

“There is also evidence that increasing numbers of young people are buying drugs through the dark web.

“We are particularly concerned about the drug Spice which can have dangerous and unpredictable side effects and users report it is highly addictive.”