17/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - Owing to the precautionary principle, the European Commission on Tuesday called on member states to submit the psychoactive substance 1-benzylpiperazine (BZP) to drug control measures in accordance with the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances. The Council will reach a decision on this proposal by qualified majority and, in the event of adoption, member states will have a year as from the date of adoption of the decision to introduce control measures and criminal sanctions. BZP is a central nervous system stimulant. For recreational purposes, it is sold as tablets and capsules via internet sites, in 'smart' shops or herbal shops. On the illicit drugs market, BZP may also be sold as the popular drug 'ecstasy'. Thirteen Member States and Norway have detected BZP in powder, capsules or tablets. (bc)