Gov. Inks Tougher Law Against Spice, Bath Salts

A look at "Spice" confiscated from the Aurora Rod Dog convenience store last year.

file photo

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels signed legislation banning more synthetic drugs Thursday.  

At least 20 people in Indiana – many of them teens or young adults – have died from using the drugs marketed as “Spice,” “K2,” or bath salts.

Indiana's law targets 60 chemical compounds found in synthetic drugs like synthetic marijuana and fake cocaine by adding them to the state’s list of banned substances.

The fake pot has been sold in gas stations all over Indiana under names like Spice and K2. Stations in Lawrenceburg and Aurora were raided last year under suspicion they were selling the products.

State Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg) supported the legislation in the House.

“We’re acting in an expedient manner to address this widespread problem,” said Rep. Frye. “These synthetic products are incredibly dangerous, and young kids are being hurt in the process.”

The state legislature passed similar legislation in 2011, but the drug manufacturers simply modified their chemical compounds to skirt the law.

The new law takes that into consideration by also banning compounds chemically derived from existing illegal drugs.

Businesses can now pay for selling the illegal drugs.  Retailers found to violate the law could be stripped of their retail merchant certificate of business, shutting them down for one year. Affiliates of the business – including owners, officers, partners, directors or managers – will be banned from obtaining any other retail merchant certificates for one year.

Employees caught distributing these substances without the knowledge of their employer would be subject to prosecution as well.

“I commend the large number of retailers who understood the health risks of these drugs and refused to sell them,” said Rep. Frye. “Unfortunately, other retailers didn’t have the same consideration for the safety and well-being of young Hoosiers, and, now, those who refuse to play by the rules will suffer the consequences.”  

LINKS:

Police: Fake Pot Maybe Sold At Two Gas Stations

Police Seize Illegal Drug Being Sold In Aurora