PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley is warning South Dakota citizens of the dangers of using synthetic drug products for the purpose of intoxication and requesting local retailers’ assistance. These substances are labeled as “bath salts”, K2, Spice, Posh or Blaze and have given rise to adverse health effects including death. As of July, 1, 2011, state law prohibits the possession, selling or distributing of substances for the specific purpose of intoxication, excluding alcohol and prescription medications. These synthetic drugs mirror marijuana, cocaine or ecstasy.
The Attorney General’s Office is working on providing further public notice to retailers that the knowing sale of these products for the purpose of intoxication is illegal. The Attorney General’s Office and the Division of Criminal Investigation are encouraging store owners to rid their inventory of these extremely dangerous substances and refrain from the selling of these products to consumers.
“Synthetic drugs are being deceptive labeled to conceal and avoid reference to illegal drugs,” said Jackley. “Law enforcement is seeking to work with our South Dakota businesses to avoid inadvertent sales and to warn of the dangerous health risks experienced by the use of these substances.”
For additional information about these controlled substances contact the Division of Criminal Investigation at 605-773-3111.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : Thursday, August 25, 2011
CONTACT: Sara Rabern, (605) 773-3215
