the classification doesn’t matter for shit as far as seizing shipments is concerned.
It is illegal to import any form of non-approved drug for human consumption (even “health food supplements” and the like). obviously the penalties are less, but HMRC can still detain and ultimately confiscate the non-approved substance.
HM Revenue and Customs have the right to detain and inspect everything imported into this nation to check for compliance with these rules, often acting on behalf of the Food Safety Agency or the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority.
They can also inspect any shipments of chemicals coming in to make sure they are as declared due to the terrorism scares
Even stuff like “plant food” (the most recent attempt at a blag) can be hauled up for investigation as this stuff needs to be registered by Defra.
they can also seize stuff if they think duties/taxes (both import and domestic) are being evaded by the purchasing business.
Bear in mind HMRC were set up in 1066 and have more power than the Police.
I suspect they also know most people what run head shops and the like have been involved in the illegal drugs trade or rave scene and are also using historical surveillance info to track associates.
At least in this nation they are giving people a fair warning rather than just letting it quietly become illegal and then raiding places with armed cops etc (which a lot of foreign places would do / are doing)
Ultimately though its the UN and the EU drugs monitoring agency who are causing this problem, as the backlash against these things isn’t from Britain’s authorities alone.
