Nineteen head shops that previously sold a range of legal highs which were recently banned remained open this weekend selling a range of ornaments and drugs paraphernalia including pipes and bongs.

Parents in Kerry have been warned about the dangers of legal highs, which young people may be tempted to take to celebrate Junior Cert results, due out shortly.

In an exclusive interview with the New Ross Echo, the owner of the Tinkicker head shop has said he is unrepentant about selling the drugs which mimic the effects of illegal highs.

A new raft of legislation to tackle the supply and use of headshop substances came into effect yesterday.

Head shops across the country were closed yesterday on day one of a “blanket ban” on mind-altering drugs.

A number of head shops around the country shut down yesterday as tough new government legislation came into effect.

Speaking this afternoon as the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 came into operation as new legislation, Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Justice Aengus Ó Snodaigh described the new provisions as simply too short-sighted.

Gardai have warned head shop owners and staff that they face prosecution from today if they are found selling mind-altering drugs.

Gardai will raid head shops around the country tomorrow night to ensure all ‘legal highs’ are no longer for sale as new laws come into effect at midnight tonight making it a criminal offence to sell all psychotropic substances.

The Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 (No. 22 of 2010) will come into operation next Monday, 23 August 2010, as provided for in the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 (Commencement) Order 2010 (S.I. No. 401 of 2010).