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Efforts to Investigate and Prosecute Synthetic 'Bath Salt' Distributors Intensify in Western Region of Virginia
Working to locate synthetic “bath salt” drugs and “prosecute those who illegally distribute them,” the office of Timothy Heaphy, United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, has partnered with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and state and local law enforcement partners to stem the flow of these illegal products into Virginia. In an open letter (PDF) to the communities in western Virginia, Heaphy states that “The law makes the distribution of “analogue” substances marketed for human consumption illegal if they are chemically and pharmacologically similar to a scheduled illegal drug. The DEA and our office will use the available provisions of the statute to investigate and prosecute those who sell these synthetic substances. Proposed federal legislation and changes in state law are expected to assist federal and state prosecutors in this effort.” Heaphy also encourages prevention efforts to raise awareness about the significant health risks of using synthetic drugs. Sheriff Randy Fisher, Augusta County, Virginia, told The News Virginian that 30 to 40% of all property crime and theft in the county are directly tied to bath salts. Regarding distributors, Heaphy stated, “If you are selling bath salts, we are watching you, and we are coming to get you. . . You may be arrested. You may be convicted. You may lose your business and go to federal prison.”
