On Tuesday, July 8, 2014, deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Juvenile Intervention Team (J-Team) conducted an operation in an effort to ensure that Santa Clarita businesses (in the city and unincorporated areas) are complying with local and state laws regarding illegal substances. Information obtained by the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station indicated that some local tobacco shops may be selling illegal substances, such as “bath salts” and “spice,” to children and adults in our community.
California Health and Safety Code Section 11357.5 makes it illegal for any person to sell, dispense, distribute, offer to sell, or possess for sale any synthetic cannabinoid compound, or any synthetic cannabinoid derivative. This misdemeanor crime can be punishable by imprisonment in a county jail, a substantial fine or both.
“Spice,” also known inaccurately as synthetic cannabis is a psychoactive designer drug made from natural herbs sprayed with synthetic chemicals that, when consumed, can mimic the effects of other illegal drugs. The term, “bath salt” is another name for a family of designer drugs containing numerous chemicals, which can have effects similar to amphetamine and cocaine and are illegal. The white crystals resemble legal bathing products, such as Epsom salts. Chemically, the two have no other relation.
The J-Team works to keep drugs out of our community and away from our youth and schools. During the operation, four locations were checked for compliance. Two did not have any illegal products or violations. However, two retailors were arrested and field released on a notice to appear, when they were caught allegedly selling these “Spice” products. The products were seized.
Deputies are hopeful that the word is getting out to local businesses that this practice is illegal and those found in violation will be subject to enforcement under the law.
Additional operations will be conducted in the coming months.
**PHOTOS - “Spice” products that were seized by J-Team Deputies**
Written By:
Deputy Joshua Dubin
[email protected]
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
661-255-1121 EXT 5802
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