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Outlawing Synthetic Cocaine in AnchorageAnchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan submitted a resolution to ban the sale, manufacture and possession of synthetic cocaine.Related Content
Its high may be real, but fake cocaine is perhaps even more dangerous than the real thing. And, it may soon be illegal in Anchorage.
Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan announced today he is submitting an ordinance that would outlaw the manufacture, sale, and possession of all forms of synthetic cocaine. Known by brand names like "Vanilla Sky" and "Ivory Wave," the drugs are sold as unregulated bath salts, incense, and fertilizer. The products are dangerous and have become increasingly popular among Alaska's youth. This year, the Poison Control Center reported a 1,400 percent increase in calls from people who suffered convulsion, paranoia, hallucination, and even death after using the synthetic drug. But would a law to ban it be effective? Last year, the city banned the sale of synthetic marijuana—the state followed suit January 2011. However, manufacturers made slight changes to the chemical makeup of the drug, which means the newer forms are again legal in Anchorage. With governments tightening their fiscal belts, there is not a lot of money for police to enforce the bans. Despite that, Mayor Sullivan believes the ordinance will be successful. Sen. Kevin Meyer, a Republican from South Anchorage, says he will introduce a statewide ban in January when the legislature reconvenes in Juneau. Like the mayor, Meyer says he understands the challenges faced in eliminating the drug from Alaska. He says the laws will have an effect primarily on shop owners who might be tempted to sell it. Mayor Sullivan says he will make sure the Anchorage Police Department checks up on local gas stations and smoke shops to ensure illegal synthetic drugs are not being sold. |
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Horst said on Sunday, Oct 9 at 10:14 AM
just what we need more laws.Lookup Amsterdam
75016903WHAT A CROCK...NO NOT CRACK said on Friday, Oct 7 at 12:28 PM
If this isen't a crime already, someone has dropped the ball AGAIN! What do these law makers do anyway? Eat, drink and spend our money. ALl loosers.Execute the drug sellers and makers. SIMPLE!!
74937788motorcycle said on Wednesday, Oct 5 at 3:09 PM
That stuff sounds disgusting.
74828323One Young Teen said on Wednesday, Oct 5 at 10:56 AM
First of all, if you outlaw the bad stuff it's just more of a thrill to have it around and use it. I think the more people use this and die from it they'll start to realize that "Oh, Maybe this stuff is bad." and they'll eventually stop using it.
74818407concerned citizen said on Wednesday, Oct 5 at 10:34 AM
gimme a break, pay more taxes and we'll give you enough police to crack down on the problem. complete b.s. If the police can't handle keep us safe i guess its about time for citizens to take the law into their own hands.
74817446Rossum76 said on Wednesday, Oct 5 at 9:52 AM
And one last thing. I had no idea this stuff was out there. So thanks for bringing it to my attention. Now I think I will try it out to see what all the hub bub is about. I realize this is a new organization and it's their job to bring us the news. All I'm saying is sometimes you do a better service to just keep your mouths, pens, pc's or anything else quiet.
74815213Rossum76 said on Wednesday, Oct 5 at 9:26 AM
I thought the republicans were about government staying out of peoples lives. I thought they were about smaller government. Don't any of you see the problem with trying to be tough on crime and fiscally conservative? Being tough on crime doesn't help with being fiscally conservative. Wasn't there a story yesterday about the state trying to find a way to cut down on prison costs. I can tell you this isn't going to help with that goal.
748127621sayer of truth said on Wednesday, Oct 5 at 8:41 AM
explain to me one more time why drugs like weed and coke are illegal and alcohol isn't we have people freezing to death on the streets from drinking alcohol you don't see that with someone who gets stoned
74809901Kevin S said on Wednesday, Oct 5 at 6:04 AM
@ So What, There are term limits. For the Mayor it's two terms(six years), and for the assembly it's nine years.
74800932So What said on Wednesday, Oct 5 at 4:23 AM
The trade show for designer drugs occurred last month in Vegas.... To make something illegal .. there has to be a definition of the substance made illegal... The designer drug industry is several formulas ahead of the laws... So the Mayor and the assembly along with those state officials committing public service... are merely poseurs and dancers. Sure would be nice to have term limits so we can have our govt back
74796489Sean Maney said on Wednesday, Oct 5 at 12:00 AM
The long terrible nightmare is finally over ~~~
74791247anonymous said on Tuesday, Oct 4 at 9:37 PM
The emergency action taken by the DEA, criminalizing key ingredients in bath salts, that goes into effect October 8 pretty much takes care of this problem. Is it an election year for the mayor? trying to get a little extra publicity?
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