Crystal Lake Leaders Tighten Laws Regarding Synthetic Drugs

Crystal Lake Police have another weapon in their arsenal to fight the illegal sale of synthetic drugs.

The city council last week approved an amendment to the city's drug ordinance to incorporate specific regulations for the drugs known as K-2,  Spice and "bath salts."

The amendment outlaws the sale of the drugs. It also states it is unlawful for anyone to knowingly have possession of them, or be under the influence of the drug.

Per the change, the penalty for violating the city laws carry fines between $500 to $1,000, according to the ordinance. Business owners with a valid tobacco sales license also could risk having that license revoked if caught selling the drugs.

The state of Illinois has already passed a law banning the sale, possession and use the drugs. Many municipalities are approving their own local laws to deal with the drugs' increased popularity  with users.

According to Crystal Lake documents, synthetic drug use has increased regionally and nationally. Since 2010, poison control centers have recorded a 333-percent hike in calls relating to synthetic drug use, city documents state.

The drugs themselves fall into two categories, and manufacturers cleverly package them to look like incense or tobacco. Some retailers don't even know the products have been outlawed.

The first group of the drugs include cannaboids, otherwise known as K-2 or Spice. The lab-manufactured product simulates a chemical version of marijuana, city documents state.

Most commonly called "bath salts," cathinones comprise the second group. The drugs contain chemical compounds  that imitate stimulate drugs like cocaine or meth.