Cuomo's Crackdown on Synthetic Drugs
By: WROC-TV
Updated: August 7, 2012
These regulations will include the expansion of the exisiting list of prohibited drugs and chemicals to include dozens more substances. By doing this, Cuomo hopes to prevent distributors from simply modifying drug ingredients to avoid penalties. These regulations will also allow for the owner of an establishment and employees selling synthetic drugs to be charged with possession of an illicit substance. Tougher penalties will be put in place for those who violate regulations, calling for fines up to $500 or 15 days in jail. Local law enforcement officals will be able to pursue perpetrators under state laws and refer violators to local district attorneys for prosecution.
These new regulations have been put in place after a dangerous rise in the use of synthetic drugs. In New York, there have been 120 emergency room visits due to these drugs in this past June and July alone-- up from the 39 total visits in 2011. The Governor also announced a new toll-free hotline, 1-888-99SALTS (1-888-997-2587), for individuals with information about synthetic drugs or bath salts.
These new regulations have been put in place after a dangerous rise in the use of synthetic drugs. In New York, there have been 120 emergency room visits due to these drugs in this past June and July alone-- up from the 39 total visits in 2011. The Governor also announced a new toll-free hotline, 1-888-99SALTS (1-888-997-2587), for individuals with information about synthetic drugs or bath salts.
