Bath salts forum held in York County

YORK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) - Local agencies say bath salts are a big problem on the middle Peninsula.

The Colonial Community Criminal Justice Board held a forum on "bath salts" Monday night at Tabb Library in York County to educate parents and law enforcement about the disturbing new synthetic drug and its harmful effects.

Police officers, guidance counselors and parents attended the public information session.

Many parents admit they don't know what "bath salts" look like.

"Something you put in your water and enjoy the good smell?" said Melissa Bobinger, a parent, who went to the session.

But, the new synthetic substance is very different from the kind of bath salts Bobinger and others are familiar with. The new version can be deadly after just one use. They have effects similar to that of cocaine, ecstasy and LSD. And, until recently, kids purchased them in convenience stores for as little as $20, according to deputies.

"Most of our alarming statistics are from Gloucester, Mathews and Middlesex," said Jack Fitzpatrick, a Criminal Justice Planner in James City County.  "However, we are seeing them here in our Colonial district and we want to stop them while we can."

Parents like Bobinger say they have heard their children talk about the drug, but have never seen it. First responders at the session say they see it all too often.

"Once somebody takes these, a lot of times its too late," said Fitzpatrick. "It appears the addictive level of these drugs are significantly higher than cocaine or anything we've dealt with in the past."

The presentation is designed to educate citizens and law enforcement alike, so they can recognize the drug, tell police where it's being sold and most importantly share its harmful effects with others.

"Talking about it with kids, they really do listen to their parents. They really do," said Bobinger. "And, if you're not involved, they feel like there is no holds barred."

There will be another information session for families in New Kent County next Monday at 7 p.m. at New Kent High School.

Virginia passed a law in July making synthetic drugs like bath salts and spice illegal. WAVY.com was the first to expose the use of spice and synthetic marijuana.