Politics & Government

Warminster Supervisors Consider Prohibition of Synthetic Drugs Within Township

The issue came to a head at the urging of a Warminster resident and blogger for WarminsterPatch.

The Warminster Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to consider adopting an ordinance that would prohibit the display, sale and use of synthetic, designer drugs within the township.

Under the ordinance, any business found to be selling products containing synthetic cannabis that mimic the effects of marijuana, such as K2 and Spice, or methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), a stimulant found in packages labeled as "bath salts," would be subject up to a maximum $300 fine per violation or 90-days in prison.

Earlier this week, Warminster resident Mary Alice Brancato sent a letter to the supervisors and posted a on WarminsterPatch that alerted readers that bath salts were being sold at a local gas station. There are currently no federal restrictions on the sale of the substance, partly because the packaging on bath salts say they are not for human consumption.

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"These bath salts are not intended for the tub at all," wrote Brancato. "They are intended to be snorted, melted down and shot into a vein, or even mixed in a drink with the sole purpose of getting high."

It's a statement that Warminster Police Chief Michael Murphy supported. He said that law enforcement agencies have been aware of the abuse of such substances for years, but the public has yet to be fully aware.

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"We've encountered a couple cases in the past few months, and the reactions are severely adverse," said Murphy. "I applaud Ms. Brancato for taking the bull by the horns and pushing the issue."

The drugs mimic the effects of methamphetamines, but in many cases carry more severe reactions, including hallucinations, paranoia, rapid heart rates and suicidal thoughts. The small foil packages, labeled with names such as White Lightning, Blue Silk, and Ivory Wave, can run between $13 to $75.

After receiving Brancato's note, supervisor Ellen Jarvis immediately brought the matter to township manager Bob Tate and solicitor Michael Savona, who quickly replied with a copy of a draft ordinance he prepared for Morrisville Borough that he would revise for Warminster. With the support of the rest of the board, Tate placed the topic on Thursday's agenda.

"This is a much-needed ordinance," said Jarvis. "I am grateful to Mary Alice for bringing it to the community's attention."

Products containing MDVP have been banned in states including Florida, North Dakota and Louisiana. In Pennsylvania, several counties and municipalities have also banned the substance. The state legislature is currently reviewing S.B. 1006, a bill that would enforce a statewide ban on bath salts and other designer drugs.

As soon as either the state law or Warminster's ordinance are passed, Chief Murphy is prepared to send his detectives into action.

"We'll get our undercover officers on the job and get them off the shelves," he told the board.


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