For Alabama law enforcement officials, it seems a new dangerous drug or narcotic emerges on the scene every time they turn their heads, and this time, it’s two hazardous chemicals being marketed as “bath salts.”
Tuesday, the Alabama Department of Public Health added the substance to the state’s Controlled Substances List, which makes the “possession, manufacture or distribution of these substances is now illegal.”
The drugs create a meth-like high, and can cause violent behavior, according to a release from the Dept. of Public Health. Users of the drug, sold generally in convenience stores, gas stations and online, have been treated for extreme paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, agitation, hypertension, chest pain and headache.
“The emergency rule is effective immediately,” said Dr. Donald E. Williamson, the state health officer. “These powdered stimulants pose a serious health threat and have a great potential for abuse.”
