Clermont County Sheriff wants nationwide ban on bath salts
Clermont County Sheriff A.J. "Tim" Rodenberg is calling for a nationwide ban on bath salts.
"It is marketed in little packets or jars, many with psychedelic images," said Sheriff Rodenberg. "Even though this stuff is being sold as bath salts, it is actually a dangerous synthetic recreational drug that can trigger the same effects as cocaine, meth or ecstasy."
An Ohio ban on bath salts is awaiting the signature of Governor Kasich; locally and statewide, law enforcement has raided numerous gas stations and convenience stores where bath salts containing the drug MDPV (methylenedioxypyrovalerone) have been sold.
"We have had reports of individuals who have smoked or snorted bath salts, engaging in behavior that can harm themselves and others," said Sheriff Rodenberg. "People who are under the influence of the drug can have suicidal thoughts, hallucinate, become paranoid, or extremely aggressive. There was one young man who went after his family with a machete after snorting it."
"In Clermont County, law enforcement officers have experienced 18 incidents where the use of bath salts was a factor; one case involved a police officer being assaulted," added Clermont Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Rick Combs. "Those who have abused bath salts often have a rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Those suspected of taking it, should be taken to a hospital immediately for treatment."
Sheriff Rodenberg said synthetic drugs marketed as bath salts have already been banned in over a dozen states, including Kentucky.
The substance is sold in stores such as gas stations for between $30 and $75.
"We need a federal law against this drug," Rodenberg said.
The website WebMD reports that those who have been marketing this form of bath salts have skirted laws that make these types of things illegal, with packages that say ‘not for human consumption.'
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"In Clermont County, law enforcement officers have experienced 18 incidents where the use of bath salts was a factor; one case involved a police officer being assaulted," added Clermont Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Rick Combs.
They used black paint to draw inappropriate and foul language and graphic pictures according to Chief Deputy Rick W. Combs. This prompted a call to ODOT and the news media by a local resident and business owner, Russ Whitley.
The Clermont Sun » Bath salts are the new drug of choice
In January, our office began receiving information about the sale and use of a new drug intentionally misbranded and being sold as “bath salts” to mask its sole purpose as a recreational drug.
These “bath salts” contain an active ingredient known as methylenedioxypyrovalerone or MDPV and can be snorted, swallowed, smoked, or injected. Once ingested, the drug affects the central nervous system and can trigger the same effects and has the same serious health dangers as cocaine, methamphetamine, or ecstasy.
Research on the drug indicated extreme highs and rushes followed by paranoid behavior and bizarre hallucinations.
Across the country bath salts have been linked to unpredictable and aggressive behavior leading to arrests and in some cases serious injury.
In Clermont County, police officers and deputies have experienced eighteen incidents where the use of bath salts was a factor; one such case involved a police officer being assaulted and sustaining a minor injury.
These synthetic drugs originated in the European club scene and their use is picking up steam here in the United States. They are currently legal and sold under brand names like Bliss, Blizzard, Blue Silk, Bolivian, Cloud Nine, Ivory Snow, Ivory Wave, Lunar Wave and many others. They can be purchased in convenience stores, across the internet and other shops in the United States; generally sold in 50 milligram plastic or foil packets ranging in price from $25 – $75.
Recreational use of salt stimulants containing MDPV has been outlawed in fifteen states thus far, and Ohio has its own version of a law (HB 127) currently ratified by both houses and awaiting the Governor’s signature.
The United States Congress and Senate have introduced bills and are setting up committee hearings to regulate these harmful products due to health risks. It is important to note not all “bath salts” present a risk to general health and behavior.
Those intended for soaking in bath water for a relaxing effect not containing MDPV continue to be safe and sold without concern of poison control centers nationally.
The Clermont County Narcotics Unit has been actively engaged in combating this newest form of drug abuse, recently raiding five local commercial shops in the county and seizing bath salts containing MDPV with plans to present cases to the grand jury sometime soon.
Identifying someone under the influences of a bath salt look for rapid heart rate, varying degrees of paranoia, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts or aggressive behavior.
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