Ohio "Bath Salt" Bust

Another article on "Bath Salts" or "Legal Highs" that I wanted to share with the chemical dependency counseling community. 

"Ohio police bust alleged bath salts drug trafficking ringing

On behalf of Robert R. Hart Jr. posted in Drug Charges on Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Many readers may be aware of a new drug's rise to national prominence. That drug is "bath salts," and has been the subject of a number of television programs and news reports documenting its newfound popularity. Users can become addicted to the drug quickly, and in 2011 the Ohio General Assembly responded by making it illegal.

Despite the possibility of facing drug charges, people still continue to use and sell bath salts. According to police reports, last week law enforcement broke up an alleged bath salts production and distribution scheme in Mason. Police seized $685,000 of what they believe to be bath salts, which would make the operation one of the largest not only in southwestern Ohio, but also in nearby states.

There are doubts about the seized substance's composition, however. Two of the defendants have asserted that the substance was not bath salts and have provided lab reports to support their claim. Police have also performed their own lab analyses and have determined that the substance contains chemicals similar to those found in bath salts.

The exact nature of the substance may be an important fact as the case moves forward. As in any criminal case, the prosecution must prove each element of a criminal charge beyond a reasonable doubt in order for the jury to find a defendant guilty.

Those allegedly involved in the bath salts operation face serious charges. Police have charged the two suspects who allegedly ran the operation with 14 felonies, including aggravated trafficking and possession of drugs. If they are found guilty, their prison sentences could potentially exceed 100 years. A lower-level defendant has also been charged with aggravated trafficking and possession."

Source: Dayton Daily News, "Botched robbery uncovers $685,500 'bath salts' operation," Denise Wilson and Denise G. Callahan, April 4, 2012.

 Source Two: http://www.cincinnaticriminaldefenseattorneyblog.com/Contact.shtml

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