Labour and Co-operative MP for Rochdale, Paul Waugh, is leading a group of MPs calling for tougher powers to tackle the sale of drug paraphernalia and cannabis-branded packaging designed to resemble popular children's sweets and snacks.
Waugh has written to Policing Minister Sarah Jones in a joint letter signed by ten MPs from across the country, urging the Government to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act to give Trading Standards officers stronger powers to seize such products directly from shop shelves.
The MPs argue that some retailers are increasingly selling drug-related products openly, including packaging and accessories that closely imitate well-known confectionery brands, potentially increasing the risk of children being exposed to illegal substances.
The intervention comes amid wider efforts by the Government to crack down on illicit activity linked to so-called "dodgy shops" and follows recent changes extending closure orders for problematic premises from three months to up to a year.
According to Waugh, examples identified in Rochdale include lunch boxes adapted to conceal drug equipment, gas masks connected to bongs, and resealable bags designed to resemble sweet packets but intended for storing drugs.
Photographs shared by the MP reportedly show glass bongs and smoking paraphernalia displayed alongside confectionery, while cannabis-themed packaging appears to mimic recognisable brands such as Skittles, Nerds and Doritos.
The letter argues that while police have powers to act against the sale of drug-related products, enforcement can be limited because officers often require warrants. By contrast, Trading Standards officers regularly inspect retail premises and already possess powers of entry, but currently lack clear authority to seize some forms of drug paraphernalia.
Waugh previously raised the issue during a Westminster Hall debate on illicit activity in high street shops secured by Alex Ballinger on 17 June. During the debate, he urged ministers to review existing legislation and consider strengthening enforcement powers.
Ballinger also backed calls for action, reportedly describing the marketing of such products towards children as unacceptable.
Speaking about the campaign, Waugh said the packaging and presentation of some products appeared deliberately designed to appeal to younger people.
"When a child can walk into a shop and see drugs in a packet designed to look like Skittles, Nerds or Doritos, sitting next to the real thing, something has gone badly wrong."
He added:
"This is not clever marketing. It is a deliberate attempt to make dangerous, illegal products look fun and familiar to young people."
The Rochdale MP argued that granting Trading Standards officers clearer powers would provide a practical and immediate solution.
"There is a simple fix. Trading Standards officers are already on the high street and can enter these premises, while the police often need a warrant. Make clear in law that they can seize drug paraphernalia, and they can step in straight away."
Waugh said the issue was linked to broader concerns about organised crime and child exploitation, adding that stronger enforcement powers would help authorities remove harmful products from sale more quickly.
The Government has yet to respond publicly to the MPs' letter, but the campaign is likely to add to ongoing discussions about high street regulation, public health and the powers available to local enforcement agencies.
If adopted, the proposed changes would allow Trading Standards teams to take more direct action against retailers selling drug paraphernalia and packaging that could be mistaken for ordinary consumer products by children and young people.
For immediate release
HEADLINE - Paul Leads MPs' Push To Stop Drugs And Paraphernalia Being Sold As Children's Sweets
Rochdale's MP Paul Waugh is leading a call by MPs to stop shops selling drug paraphernalia and cannabis-branded packaging made to look exactly like children's sweets.
Paul has written to Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP in a joint letter signed by ten MPs from across the country. They want the Government to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act so Trading Standards can act on this stock directly.
The letter warns that as the Government rightly curtails disposable vapes, some of the same shops are turning to drug equipment instead, sold openly and alongside products aimed at children.
Recent examples seen in Rochdale include a lunch box adapted to hold drug equipment, a gas mask fitted to a bong, and resealable bags made to look like sweet packets but intended for storing drugs. The risk to children, including accidents in the home, is clear.
Whilst the police can act, they usually need a warrant. Trading Standards officers are already on the high street with rights to enter, and could respond at once if the law allowed.
Paul pressed the same case in a Westminster Hall debate on 17 June, secured by Alex Ballinger MP. He shared photographs taken in local shops and asked Ministers to look again at the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Alex Ballinger agreed, calling it completely unacceptable to let businesses market such products to children.
The photographs show glass bongs and pipes on a shop counter next to a stand of lollipops and bars of chocolate. Cannabis-themed smoking kit boxes are stacked directly above bags of well-known sweets.
Others show resealable bags, of the kind used to deal drugs, piled up next to nicotine pouches. Several show cannabis-branded packets copying famous brands, including imitation Skittles, Nerds and Doritos marked with high doses of THC.
It comes after Paul welcomed the Government's move this month to extend closure orders on dodgy shops from three months to up to a year, driven by Rochdale's Trading Standards team and Operation Tetbury.
Paul Waugh MP said:
"When a child can walk into a shop and see drugs in a packet designed to look like Skittles, Nerds or Doritos, sitting next to the real thing, something has gone badly wrong.
"This is not clever marketing. It is a deliberate attempt to make dangerous, illegal products look fun and familiar to young people.
"In Rochdale we know all too well the harm these shops can do. They are too often a front for organised crime and the exploitation of children. Now some are dressing up drugs as confectionery and putting it within arm's reach of the pick and mix.
"There is a simple fix. Trading Standards officers are already on the high street and can enter these premises, while the police often need a warrant. Make clear in law that they can seize drug paraphernalia, and they can step in straight away.
"That is why I and nine colleagues have written to the Minister. I am proud the Government is keeping these shops shut for longer. Now let us give our officers the powers to clear this stuff off the shelves for good."
