NSW to ban synthetic drugs

Up to 120 fair trading officers will hit shops across NSW to enforce a ban on the sale of synthetic drugs following the death of a Sydney teenager.

NSW Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts says retailers who breach the 90-day ban on selling 18 synthetic drugs will face fines of up to $1.1 million.

Officers from his department have a list of targets.

"This week we'll be undertaking the largest operation ever seen in the commonwealth with respect to the crackdown on retailers selling these products that cause harm, and in some cases, death," Mr Roberts told reporters on Sunday.

"I want to make it clear: if you are a retailer that sells these harmful products, my message to you is get them off your shelves before fair trading officers visit you."

Fair Trading assistant commissioner Robert Vellar says officers will apply the full force of the law to ensure the products are taken off the shelves.

"We'll have people in shopping centres walking into stores and if those products are being sold, they will be provided with the ban and advice on what to do with the products," he said.

The synthetic drug industry is worth $700 million nationally, he said.

Mr Roberts said federal government support will be "crucial" in ensuring the ban is permanent once the 90 days expires.

"This is where the federal government needs to step up to the plate and make sure that when these products are banned, they are able to assist customs with the ability to stop them coming into the country."

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NSW to ban synthetic drugs