New psychoactive substances: 12 individual substances and one substance group added to the Narcotics List
Bern, 06.12.2021 - To combat the abuse of new synthetic substances as narcotics, the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) today added 12 individual substances and one substance group to the Narcotics List. The manufacture of, trading in and use of these psychoactive substances is therefore prohibited. The ongoing process of adding raw materials or products with suspected narcotic-like effects is a measure to combat drug trafficking.
New psychoactive substances (also known as “designer drugs”, “research chemicals” or “legal highs”) are a major health risk: it is not known how they act in conjunction with other substances, whether they are addictive – and if so, how addictive they are – or how toxic they are when taken repeatedly. Since they are structurally similar to controlled substances, it must be assumed that these substances are harmful.
To prevent the abuse of these substances as intoxicants in Switzerland, 12 individual substances and one substance group have been added to the Narcotics List. The list currently includes 264 individual substances and 14 groups (derivatives) with suspected narcotic-like effects.
The Narcotics List has been updated at the request of Swissmedic, the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products. Together with other national and international authorities, Swissmedic evaluates on an ongoing basis whether new synthetic substances or substance classes are being abused. Inclusion in the list of raw materials and products with suspected narcotic-like effects should also prevent Switzerland becoming a transshipment centre for the trade in designer drugs.
Address for enquiries
Swissmedic, Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products
Monika Joos (Head of Narcotics Division)
Tel. +41 58 464 91 87
Publisher
General Secretariat FDHA
http://www.edi.admin.ch
