MOST shops have stopped selling psychoactive substances and drug-taking equipment in Northern Ireland after a successful legal action by Belfast City Council, the chief medical officer has said.
Until recently the PSNI estimated there were 20 "head shops".
But following Westminster legislation and a council case against several businessmen most have stopped stocking the potentially lethal chemicals.
In his annual report for 2015, Dr Michael McBride said he hoped new laws would deter many people from experimenting.
"Following the successful legal action in Belfast, the PSNI now suggest that most shops in Northern Ireland which had been selling drug paraphernalia (bongs, pipes, etc) have stopped."
A year ago a landmark ruling - the first of its kind in the UK - saw three people sentenced for the sale and distribution of so-called "legal highs" following Belfast City Council action.
More than 350 psychoactive substances have already been banned and a blanket prohibition is due to be introduced later this month.
Dr McBride said that he welcomed the introduction of legislation to prohibit the manufacture, distribution and sale of legal highs.
"There is no magic bullet, new legislation will not stop the misuse of these products. It will, however send a clear message that they are not safe and will hopefully deter some young people from experimenting."
Former senior coroner John Leckey likened the substances formerly known as legal highs to a serial killer after they were found to be responsible for 20 deaths in Northern Ireland.
