THE police and crime commissioner for Hampshire has backed Government plans to ban five legal highs.

Simon Hayes has commended the move to crack down on drugs reportedly used as an alternative to cocaine.

The ban has been launched by the Government and will be enforced for 12 months, after which the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs will determine whether it should be permanently implemented.

Mr Hayes said: “I support the Government in imposing this ban. I hope however they will go further and pledge a total ban or legislation governing the sale of these dangerous and life threatening poisons.”

He added: “A poll run on my website currently shows that the majority of respondents either feel that there should be a total ban on these mind altering ‘legal highs’, or that the Government should legislate their sale and that local authorities should ban their use in public places.

“The poll also showed overwhelming support for a total ban on the sale of ‘legal highs’ to those aged under 18.”

The drugs under enforced ban are five compounds related to the Class B substance methylphenidate.

One of them includes ethylphenidate, which is sold under the name Gogaine or Burst as an alternative to cocaine, and has psychoactive affects.

Anyone caught making, supplying or importing any of drugs affected will face up to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Police officers will be allowed to search or detain anyone suspected of being in possession of these drugs which they can seize and dispose of.