Saturday, May 25, 2013
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Anchorage Assembly Bans Additional Chemicals in Bath Salts
The Anchorage Assembly passed legislation Tuesday to ban a handful of chemical compounds being marketed as bath salts, otherwise known as synthetic cocaine.
By Alexis Fernandez
The Anchorage Assembly passed legislation Tuesday to ban a handful of chemical compounds being marketed as bath salts, otherwise known as synthetic cocaine.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency banned three of the chemicals last month, but the current city law bans an additional three, which includes several compounds in fluoromethcathinone and methoxymethcathinone.
Officials from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services say the effects of bath salts are similar to cocaine and can cause a person to hallucinate.
Back in May, three people were hospitalized after they ingested the drug, according to state health officials.
“These are substances that are killing our youth and community. So there’s no reason we shouldn’t take action and try to prevent this substance in our community,” said Anchorage Assemblyman Paul Honeman.
If a person is caught with the chemical, you could face a fine of up to $5,000 and up to a year behind bars.
Assembly members say enforcement will be taken seriously.
“If items are discovered in their possession, police will be notified and they'll come and take appropriate action,” said Honeman.
Despite the presence of police and other agencies, lawmakers say, ultimately, it will need help from the community to keep designer drugs off the streets for good.
