By U.S. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe
(R-Maine)
Increasingly more reports of the widespread abuse of the dangerous drug known as “bath salts” are rightfully alarming our Maine communities. In fact, the use of this illicit narcotic has been especially prevalent in the Bangor area, where, according to law enforcement officials, between one and three incidents of adverse reactions to the drug are called in on a daily basis. The dangerous chemicals in the so-called bath salts, namely mephedrone and MDPV, are not officially regulated by the federal government and therefore controlling the sale and distribution of these highly destructive synthetic stimulants is difficult, if not impossible, and incredibly cost prohibitive. Protecting our communities and neighborhoods from this epidemic will require close collaboration of federal, state and local resources to raise awareness and combat widespread distribution and abuse.
Human consumption of the synthetic drugs like mephedrone and MDPV have been linked to serious health consequences and are responsible for numerous deaths across the country. In fact, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration recently noted that these chemicals, “pose a significant and growing threat to our nation.” According to law enforcement officials, the drug is packaged as powder or crystals and sold over the Internet or over the counter at some convenience stores and head shops. Frighteningly easy access to the unregulated substance has all too often prevented law enforcement officials from protecting individuals from devastating consequences until it is too late.
Proactive efforts by local and state officials, particularly in Bangor, to combat the epidemic are commendable. Since the sale of bath salts was banned in the state this past July, education and outreach events have taken place in communities like Bangor to address the situation. In addition to town meetings, local radio and television stations have taken to the airwaves to raise awareness about the local impacts and dangers associated with mephedrone and MDPV.
The prevalence, spread, and ease of access to these substances, however, necessitates an additional Federal response to supplement state efforts. The fact is, a coordinated strategy at all levels of law enforcement is required to provide the training, awareness, and resources essential to combating the rampant abuse of these drugs.
To supplement Maine’s efforts, I have cosponsored legislation that would add mephedrone and MDPV to the list of controlled substances and make their possession and sale illegal in the United States. This legislation has already been approved unanimously by the Senate Judiciary Committee and has since been placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar. In the days ahead, it will be critical for the full chamber to schedule a vote on this vital legislation. Our communities simply cannot afford to wait any longer while the problem continues to grow.
But our efforts should not stop there. Last week, I urged both U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Alan Bersin to lead a targeted strategy to increase public awareness; address access and abuse; enhance efforts to seize shipments; and develop and distribute test kits to assist local law enforcement in better identifying individuals under the influence of the so-called bath salts. I have requested an immediate update from both agencies on the government’s progress on these efforts to ensure our state and local efforts are supplemented by action at the federal level.
The severity of this problem cannot be overstated. The toll it has already taken on our state and the health of our citizens is significant, and disturbing reports of violent and self-destructive behavior are deeply concerning and must be addressed at all levels of government. Working together, we can combat this epidemic by making it illegal to possess or sell mephedrone and MDPV and raising awareness about the problem. It is my hope that these initiatives, which require close collaboration, will indeed have a measurable impact on the safety and welfare of our communities during this trying time.
