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NO DRUGS should be sold in local stores even if they are deemed legal, a concerned business owner says.
The Port Macquarie woman, who doesn’t want to be named for fear of reprisal, has raised concerns about the emergence of synthetic drug sales in the local area.
A Parliamentary report released last Thursday, revealed the national industry was worth some $600 million.
The report also highlighted some of the possible health effects of synthetic substances, and the ineffectiveness of current legislation in monitoring these products.
“I’m concerned that people don’t know,” the local woman said. “Most people have no idea that these drugs are being sold on our streets.”
Groups of people will often wait outside at least one of the local adult stores where synthetic drugs are sold, she said.
Many of them, she claimed, displayed signs of erratic and drug dependant behaviour.
“They obviously have drug issues,” she said. “They yell out, pace up and down, speak quickly and there are even arguments at times.”
The woman recalled a particular case where police had to be called after a violent incident.
Social disruptions, however, were not her main concern.
“Really I’m worried about the youth of Port Macquarie,” she told the Port News. “That’s what really concerns me. By legalising drugs they’re sending a message that it’s okay to take drugs – and it’s not.”
Jeff Oliver, the owner of local Love Plus Adult Store, and soon to be opened Flirt Adult Store openly admitted his stores sold the chemically-generated drugs.
“We stock anything that is legal, and relates to adults,” Mr Oliver said.
He said the store would continue to meet the needs of adults, by stocking the products legally available to them.
A statewide ban on synthetic drugs would have a minimal impact on the local shop, he said.
“We’re always happy to adhere to regulations,” Mr Oliver said. “If this policy comes in we will comply completely.”
Freechoice Tobacco at Port Macquarie Central confirmed it did not, and would not sell synthetic drugs.
TSG Tobacco station confirmed it sold herbal incenses but no other synthetic substances. Other adult stores, known for selling the drugs, would not provide comment.