New Bedford Looks To Ban The Selling Of Synthetic Drugs At Stores

According to South Coast Today.com, the city of New Bedford is “looking to ban synthetic drugs or man-made, chemically laced substances, known as K2, spice or potpourri from local store shelves.”

New Bedford City Council and the Board of Health are collaborating together to work out the best outcome for the city.

The synthetic drugs, which is also known as "Spice" or "K2," are sold in retail stores labeled as “herbal incense, potpourri, bath salts, or jewelry cleaner."

Out of all the illegal drugs in the United States, spice and K2 are runners-up to marijuana for the most frequently illegal drug used by teenagers in America.

At-Large Councilor Ian Abreu stated that "it is a problem in the city. What really concerns me is that it's being sold to children, high school kids."

The city is also looking at ordinances and regulations in nearby Wareham as a potential model.

The Board of Health in Wareham, fines store owners for selling and distributing synthetic drugs. The first violation comes with a $150 fee and any additional violations are a $300 fine.

With additional reporting by Sal Lopez