Posted: Feb 20, 2012 9:07 AM
TUCSON - We have new information about a serious problem the News 4 Investigators reported about last year. Tucson Police Department will be enforcing new legislation regarding the selling of a dangerous drug which until recently was legal to buy.
We found so called "Bath Salts" at a Tucson smoke shop; a tiny package of powder made with chemicals that mimic cocaine or ecstasy.
They are sold under names like Meow, Rave and Cloud 9. While the packages are marked "not for human consumption," it is widely known the products are consumed for the high they produce.
Emergencies across the country are reporting a spike in overdose incidents related to "Bath Salts."
The Arizona legislature passed emergency House Bill 2356, which prohibits the sale or possession of synthetic cathinones (stimulants), commonly known as "bath salts".
The Tucson Police Department issued a Press Release outlining how the department will enforce the new law. One of the steps is make contact with the businesses selling the products:
Beginning on February 24, 2012, Tucson Police Department officers will be visiting local merchants known or believed to be selling products containing synthetic cathinones or stimulants. The primary goal of this initial site visit will be to educate merchants on the new legislation.
Officers will provide the business with a copy of HB2356 and will collect any products that have become contraband under the bill. In recognition of the limited notice that merchants have had as a result of the emergency clause associated with this bill, no enforcement action will take place during this initial site visit.
Instead, merchants will be given the opportunity to voluntarily surrender any and all related contraband without penalty at this time. To ensure continued compliance with the law, follow-up site visits will occur at a later date, at which point violations will be prosecuted in accordance with the statute.
To see the entire Press Release click here.
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