3 teens suffer effects of ‘bath salts’ drug overdose
Sept. 26, 2014 PLYMOUTH EAGLE.
Plymouth Michigan News
“In the Thursday incident, a girl has used the drug in a liquid form and ingested eight or nine drops of the drug on her tongue.”
Canton Township Police are awaiting a determination from the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office regarding charges against a suspected seller of the substance known as “bath salts” or synthetic cathinone on which two students at Salem High School overdosed last Thursday and Friday.
Canton Police Det. Sgt. Chad Baugh said that Canton Fire Department medical personnel were dispatched to Salem High School on both Thursday and Friday last week on reports of children overdosed on the drug, also called Cloud 9. There was also a third incident in Canton Township of a teen overdosing on the same substance requiring medical assistance in the 24-hour period, according to police reports.
In the Thursday incident, a girl had used the drug in a liquid form and ingested eight or nine drops of the drug on her tongue. In the incident Friday, a male student had used the drug in a vapor form and was wandering the school hall aimlessly and bumped into a teacher, spilling her coffee. The teacher realized immediately that the student was in need of medical intervention, according to police, and the EMT unit was called to the school for the second time in 24 hours.
Baugh said after interviewing the children involved, the Canton Police Department secured a warrant and searched a gas station located near Newburgh and Ford roads in Westland where they found quantities of the substance, also known as Bath Salts, Bliss and Hookah Relax Liquid, hidden behind the counter and in a locked safe. He said Tuesday that police were awaiting a determination from the prosecutor regarding charges against the suspected supplier of the substance. Possession or distribution of the synthetic cathinone is a violation of Canton Township local ordinance Section 46-270 and is illegal under state law.
“They are not the bath salts you use in your tub,” police said in a prepared statement.
“These are powerful illegal drugs that have not been tested for safety, and users don’t really know exactly what chemicals they are putting into their bodies. The side effects they cause may be permanent,” police said.
Poison center experts say these substances are among the most dangerous they have seen. Users have experienced many side effects such as: paranoia and violent behavior; hallucinations; delusions; suicidal thoughts; seizures; panic attacks; increased blood pressure and heart rate; chest pain, nausea and vomiting
Police said that anyone suspecting another person of taking bath salts or any synthetic drug should dial 911 immediately.
Persons responsible for the distribution of these substances which result in serious medical conditions or death will be prosecuted in accordance with Michigan state law, police said.
The Plymouth-Canton Community Schools issued a statement last week announcing a two-part seminar co-sponsored by Growth Works, Inc. titled Teens Using Drugs: What To Know and What To Do from 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 8 and 15 at the Canton High School Media Center.
“We are very concerned about students in our community using “Cloud 9” or any substance. Our attention to this matter has been heightened by two instances at P-CEP in the past two days,” the prepared statement sent to district parents read. “We encourage you to discuss the dangers and illegality of drugs and alcohol, and the importance of good decision making and consequences with your children. We take student safety very seriously and look forward to your continued partnership and support. If you have additional questions or concerns, please reach out to your child’s assistant principal,” the district said in a prepared statement to parents last week following the incidents.
Plymouth Voice.
Photo: Fox News Detroit-WJBK
