State agency battles synthetic drugs

Ohio Dept. of Public Safety news

COLUMBUS — They’re commonly referred to as bath salts, K-2, spice, synthetic marijuana, hookah cleaner, stain remover and window cleaner. They are synthetic drugs. They are illegal and can be deadly.

Agents with the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Investigative Unit want Ohio’s liquor permit premises to know – criminal and administrative charges will be filed if they are caught selling or possessing synthetic drugs.

“These are dangerous drugs,” said Agent-in-Charge Eric Wolf. “One of the reasons synthetic drugs are so dangerous is the ingredients change so often. The name changes as often as the ingredients. The bottom line is these drugs are extremely dangerous and illegal.”

Anyone caught selling or possessing synthetic drugs faces felony charges. Liquor permits caught selling or possessing may also face administrative charges against the liquor permit.

Once all criminal proceedings are completed, agents will present the administrative charges to the Ohio Liquor Control Commission for their consideration. Administrative penalties may include fines, suspension or revocation of the liquor permit.

Area residents who know of a liquor permit establishment selling synthetic drugs like K-2, bath salts, or spice can contact the Ohio Investigative Unit on a cell phone at #677.