State of New York | Executive Chamber
Andrew M. Cuomo | Governor
For
Immediate Release: August 7, 2012
GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES STATE MAKES IT
ILLEGAL TO SELL OR POSSESS BATH SALTS OR SYNTHETIC DRUGS
Emergency
Meeting of the Public Health Council Passes New Regulations
Overwhelmingly
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the New York
State Department of Health (DOH) has issued new regulations to crack down on the
increasingly widespread use of bath salts and other synthetic drugs.
The
new regulations, issued today by DOH and approved by the Public Health and
Health Planning Council, will expand the existing list of prohibited drugs and
chemicals to include dozens more substances that are now used to make synthetic
drugs, better ensuring that distributors can no longer skirt the law by simply
modifying the drug's ingredients. In addition, the regulations will allow for
the first time an owner of an establishment and/or an employee selling synthetic
drugs to be charged with possession of an illicit substance. Further, to support
enforcement, the regulations will increase the criminal penalties for those who
violate the rules. Violators will face fines up to $500 and potentially up to 15
days in jail.
"Bath salts and other synthetic drugs pose a direct,
serious threat to public health and safety, and we must do everything we can to
remove these harmful substances from sale and distribution in New York,"
Governor Cuomo said. "The actions we are announcing today attack the problem by
helping our law enforcement officers enforce the rules, expanding the list of
banned substances used to manufacture bath salts, and imposing tougher penalties
so those who sell these drugs are held accountable."
Over the past year,
there has been a dangerous rise in instances of New Yorkers using synthetic
drugs. In 2011, there were 39 reported emergency room visits in upstate New York
as a result of bath salts. Already in 2012, there have been 191 such visits with
120 occurring this past June and July. According to the New York State Poison
Control Center, in 2010 there were only 20 calls concerning synthetic marijuana
poisonings. There were 291 in 2011, and there were already 321 through the first
six months of 2012
Bath salts and other synthetic drugs are manufactured
with a similar, but slightly modified structure of controlled substances that
are listed on Schedule I of the state and/or federal controlled substances laws
as a means to avoid existing drug laws. These designer drugs can be – and are –
continually chemically modified in the attempt to avoid legal
repercussions.
In an effort to mask their true purpose, these products
are marketed as "bath salts" or as "legal alternatives to marijuana." They are
currently sold online, in small convenience stores, smoke shops, and other
retail outlets. When consumed, these substances produce dangerous effects
similar to cocaine and amphetamines, including hallucinations, paranoia,
delusions, suicidal thoughts, and violent behavior as well as chest pains,
increased blood pressure, and increased heart rates.
Bath Salts are sold
under names including, White Lightening, Snow Leopard, Tranquility, Zoom, Ivory
Wave, Red Dove, Vanilla Sky, and others. Synthetic marijuana is sold as Spice,
K2, Blaze and Red Dawn X among other names.
Although federal law bans the
manufacture or sale of many of these substances, as a result of the new
regulations put in place today, local law enforcement officials for the first
time will be able to pursue perpetrators under state laws and refer violators to
local District Attorneys for prosecution.
The State Health Department and
the New York State Police will coordinate investigations and arrests with local
law enforcement and district attorneys. New criminal penalties will include a
fine up to $500 and or up to 15 days in jail. New civil penalties will include a
fine of up to $2,000 per violation.
The Governor also announced a new
toll-free hotline 1-888-99SALTS (1-888-997-2587). Individuals with information
about illegal distribution of bath salts or synthetic drugs are encouraged to
call this hotline. For more information visit: http://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/narcotic/index.htm.
Our coalition represents agencies, schools, government, businesses, families, and concerned citizens in Tompkins County, all working to reduce substance abuse among middle and high school youth through the use of effective, evidence-based programs and practices.