Legal high ban in UK ‘could force dealers onto dark net’

Dealers of so-called legal highs in the UK could move to the ‘dark web’ as a blanket ban on the drugs comes into force later this week, a senior police officer has warned.

The substances, which mimic the effects of traditional drugs like ecstasy and cannabis, are being outlawed amid concerns they have been linked to deaths and are fuelling antisocial behaviour.

Commander Simon Bray, the National Police Chiefs Council’s lead on New Psychoactive Substances, said those determined to get hold of the drugs might turn to illicit websites.