County issues emergency bath salts ban

By Cindy Landrum  

OCTOBER 20, 2011 9:04 a.m. (2)

Greenville County deputies will begin immediate enforcement of an emergency ordinance banning bath salts and synthetic marijuana.
The emergency ordinance, the first of its kind passed by the Greenville County Council in recent memory, is in effect for a maximum of 60 days or until a permanent ban is passed.
The ordinance prohibits the advertisement, possession, use, purchase and distribution of bath salts, which mimic the effects of methamphetamine and cocaine, and synthetic cannabinoids, also known as “K2” and “Spice.”
The ordinance carries a $500 civil fine.
Authorities have said the synthetic drugs cause hallucinations, paranoia, agitation, increased blood pressure and heart rate. The side effects often linger after the drug has worn off.
Emergency rooms, drug treatment centers and law enforcement officials say they are seeing an increase in the number of people seeking help because of the drugs.
At least 28 states have banned bath salts. South Carolina is considering designating the drugs as controlled substances. The Federal Drug Administration has temporarily outlawed possession and sale of three synthetic stimulants – mephadrone, MDPV and methylone – but authorities say the manufacturers have just been changing their formulas so the ingredients don’t fall under the ban.
Sheriff’s Office spokesman Zach Hinton said two units from the office’s community services division have been pulled from their normal duties to begin initial enforcement of the ordinance.