Are 'Bath Salts' a Problem in Watertown?

You've heard the news reports of drugs turning people into flesh-eating "zombies." But could this happen in Watertown?

Last month, the nation was horrified by reports that 31-year-old Rudy Eugene of North Miami Beach had stripped his clothing, attacked a homeless man and began gnawing on the man's face. Police shot and killed Eugene when officers ordered him to stop and the Florida man reportedly growled at officers, with pieces of flesh in his mouth, and continued eating the homeless man's face.

What turned Rudy Eugene into a naked flesh-eater is believed to be a drug called "bath salts," according to The Huffington Post. Bath salts are a mixture of chemicals that cause users to experience hallucinations, delusions, psychotic behavior and overheating of the body (causing many to strip off their clothes).

Although the drug is banned in many states, it has made an appearance in the New England area.

"We had one incident where a person during an interview stated he had taken bath salts – he was from down in the New Bedford area," Lawn said. "He was definintely acting very strange, but it could have been from other things, too."

Lawn said he has not heard of bath salts being sold, or used much in town, but member of the Watertown Police are certainly aware of the drug. 

"It isn't a problem in town, not to my knowledge," Lawn said. "It’s relatively new. It was on the news, so people start talking about it."