FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :     Tuesday, February 10, 2015
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605)773-3215   

 
Attorney General Jackley and 42 other Attorney General’s Call on Oil Companies to Ban the Sale of Synthetic Drugs 

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley and 42 other State Attorneys General today called on nine oil companies and their branded gas stations and convenience stores to remove synthetic drugs from their affiliated retail locations.

“These synthetic substances are extremely addictive and create both public safety and health risks. We are simply asking the business community to join law enforcement efforts to eliminate synthetic drugs from retail locations,” said Jackley.

The letter to the chief executive officers of these oil companies, states that given the significant danger synthetic drugs present to users, especially the youth, the Attorneys General are extremely troubled that these drugs have been readily available in well-known retail locations. Law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels have expended considerable resources battling the rise of synthetic drugs. Many of these well-known retail locations give the appearance of safety and legitimacy to dangerous synthetic drugs.

The Attorneys General request the following actions be considered by these oil companies to address this growing problem:
• Prohibit franchisees from selling any synthetic drugs;
• Ensure this prohibition is understood by store franchisees and their employees by communicating directly with each of them;
• Establish a point of contact in corporate offices for franchisees, should they have any questions about synthetic drugs;
• Revoke franchisee/franchisor relationship with any gas station or convenience store that sells any kind of synthetic drugs; and
• Report to local law enforcement authorities if any franchisee is selling synthetic drugs.

 In 2012, South Dakota legislators passed legislation adding synthetic designer drugs to the list of controlled substances. These drugs were being labeled and sold as “bath salts”, K2, Spice, Posh, Blaze and others. State law prohibits the unauthorized manufacture, distribution, counterfeiting or possession of substances with high potential for abuse as a felony. Public notice was provided to South Dakota retailors at the time the legislation was passed.

 In 2014, legislation was passed that placed certain substances on the controlled substance schedule. This annual bill will combat the ever-changing formulas in the synthetic drug world. 

Last month Attorney General Jackley issued a warning to college campuses and students of the synthetic drug 25i or NBOme, which law enforcement confirmed was being in sold in South Dakota. This drug comes in many forms, including powder or liquid form.  It can easily be mixed with food or beverages or in some instances, dried on blotter paper.  25i is dangerous because the dosage and reaction to this particular drug is unpredictable.  It has similar effects of LSD causing hallucinations, disorientation and violent behavior.

To view the letter click on the link.

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