Crime & Safety

City Touts Enforcement of New Synthetic Drug Law

Redlands Police have started distributing warning letters at local businesses advising owners and customers of the city's new local ban on sale and use of toxic, synthetic chemical drugs known as "spice" and "bath salts."

The ban, passed by the City Council in July, takes effect Friday Aug. 16, Redlands spokesman Carl Baker said in a statement. Police started handing out warning letters Thursday morning, Baker said.

"These drugs are as dangerous as PCP and meth, yet stores have been selling them and our youth have been using them legally," Lt. Travis Martinez said. "We intend to vigorously enforce this ordinance and we won’t hesitate to take action against any violators."

The ban was adopted by the City Council July 16 "to address the growing threat that new formulations of toxic chemical drugs pose and to close a legal gap that allowed these dangerous drugs to be sold legally and used by youth in Redlands," Baker said.

Anyone who violates the new ordinance is subject to unspecified fines, jail time and the revocation of business licenses, Baker said.

"Effects of these toxic synthetic chemicals vary wildly and can result in extreme paranoia, extreme depression, and extreme violence—often coupled with PCP-type super strength. With both Spice and bath salts one time use has resulted in death," Baker said.

"Authorities have seen Spice and bath salts involved in suicides, strokes, psychotic breaks, self-mutilation, car crashes, and murders. The potential for flashbacks is present with some debilitating effects lasting for days. Side effects of Spice include increased heart rate, cardiac arrest, severe hallucinations, paranoia, seizures, anxiety, panic attacks, increased blood pressure and death. Bath salts side effects include severe hallucinations, seizures, tremors, extremely high body temperatures (107-110 degrees), PCP extraordinary strength, recurring suicidal thoughts, violent behavior, insomnia, kidney failure, stroke and death."

The effects of these drugs in combination with alcohol, other drugs, or prescription medications is unknown and likely severe, Baker said.

"I am particularly concerned about this new group of dangerous synthetic drugs," said Dr. Phong Nguyen, Medical Director of Emergency Services at Redlands Community Hospital.

These toxic chemical drugs are being sold to kids in packages that look like candy or incense and in some cases, have been displayed right next to candy on store shelves, Baker said.

To report crime or suspicious activity call Redlands Police Dispatch at (909) 798-7681. Anonymous tipsters can text 274637 using the keyword "REDTIP."

Some non-emergency crimes can be reported online at http://ci.redlands.ca.us/police/coplogic/start-report.html.
 


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