(BOISE, Idaho) – Bath salts are gaining prevalence on city streets, increasing in popularity with “violent” and “dangerous” results, Boise Police said Monday.
Officers joined emergency room doctors from both major city hospitals, along with Ada County paramedics, to educate the community about local drug use.
Police said they responded to several incidents in recent weeks involving people with erratic behavior as a result of drug use.
Officials added that users believe they are buying and using Molly, also known as MDMA, or perhaps acid, but in reality are purchasing chemical compounds referred to as bath salts, 2C, 25i, or NBOME.
Police confirmed with state crime lab workers that Molly and acid have not been found in Boise in months.
"Drug abuse of course is not new. But what we’re seeing is,” said Sgt. Cole Farmer. “And it’s affecting recreational users as well as long-term hard-core drug users. It’s affecting their families and this community."
“Even drug dealers know these synthetics are dangerous and the dealers may be selling this stuff under one name but it's really something else. Or the dealers themselves don't know what they have. That makes drug users exceptionally vulnerable. These substances look alike, but are in fact are much different, very dangerous, and potentially deadly,” said Sgt. Farmer.
Police will soon start testing for synthetic substances in the field with a new kit, which may allow them to assist medical personnel in case of an emergency.
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