Federal Government set to introduce short-term ban on synthetic drugs

Selling some synthetic drugs will be illegal around Australia, under a plan expected to be announced today by the Federal Government.

Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury is expected to announce a nationwide ban on a list of synthetic drugs under consumer law for up to 120 days.

The substances, which mimic the highs of their illegal counterparts, have been under the spotlight after Sydney teenager Henry Kwan jumped to his death whilst allegedly under the influence.

The New South Wales Government last week declared its own 90-day ban on the sale of 19 synthetic drugs.

New South Wales Consumer Affairs Minister Anthony Roberts says the nationwide interim ban is welcomed, but he wants it permanent.

"What we've been able to achieve in New South Wales is 94 per cent compliance in under a week of retailers selling these products," he said.

"We've got them off the shelves successfully, we need to keep them off the shelves.

"That interim ban needs to become a permanent ban."

Mr Roberts said a nationwide ban under consumer laws will cut online sales and means Customs can intercept the drugs at the boarder.

"If we're able to restrict demand, we're able to restrict supply," he said.

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Federal Government set to introduce short-term ban on synthetic drugs