State may strengthen synthetic drug law

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A new measure that's moving through Indiana's senate would crack down on synthetic drugs.

If passed, the bill would have an impact in the Wabash Valley.

Last summer, Terre Haute Police Department and Vigo County Drug Task Force raided three local businesses known for carrying K2 or synthetic marijuana.

Seven months later, the problem hasn't gotten any better.

"This is a recent problem, it's kind of just launched on everybody out of no where and I think the legislation and the DEA are doing what they can to combat it, but it's just coming on so fast," Drug Task Force Detective Steve Lockard said.

State Senator Jim Merritt authored the proposal.

Its goal: give law enforcers and prosecutors a way to fight the on-going problem.

"With the clear definition of what synthetics are and what look alike synthetics are, it really helps us with the laws to determine what can be charged as synthetic," Lockard said.

This will prevent manufacturers from altering the ingredients to fit the law.

State law makes it illegal to sell synthetic drugs, if the materials inside test positive for an illegal chemical.

If passed, the bill makes selling synthetic drugs and look-alike substances a criminal offense, regardless of the ingredients.

"If the bill passes, this will be treated like any other drug. And it can be treated like any other drug case," he said.

It authorizes the seizure of the property used to sell the substance.

"I think that's enough to really make these retailers think about what they're doing and if they're really being responsible and if it's worth risking their retail license and their property and all their assets."

The fight has been difficult to manage, making law enforcement thankful that it has state backing to help.

The proposal will move to the full Senate for further consideration.