Norton Cosponsors Bill to Help Law Enforcement Crack Down on Synthetic Drugs

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) recently became the first House Member to cosponsor the Synthetic Abuse and Labeling of Toxic Substances Act of 2015 (SALTS Act, H.R. 1186), a bill that would help law enforcement crack down on synthetic drugs, such as K2, Bath Salts, Spice, Scooby Snax, and others. The bill would close a loophole that effectively has provided drug manufacturers and distributors with protection from prosecution. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) can prosecute the sale and distribution of analogue drugs, which are substantially similar to controlled substances. However, under current law, analogue drugs do not include any substance "not intended for human consumption," which has allowed manufacturers and distributors to sell synthetics without penalty. The bill was introduced by Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-TX).

"The District of Columbia has lots of company around the nation in its struggle with a synthetic drug crisis, which has caused overdoses on these dangerous drugs," Norton said. "Our bipartisan bill will give law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on synthetic drug manufacturers and distributors that are knowingly putting the health of Americans here and throughout the U.S. at great risk. Despite placing ‘not intended for human consumption' on the packaging, companies are marketing these products as an alternative method for getting a dangerous high. Synthetic drugs are creating a public health crisis, and our bill is designed to ensure these manufacturers will no longer get a free pass. While some in the Congress have been focused on the possession of small amounts of marijuana in the District, the city has taken steps to go after truly dangerous synthetic drugs that have taken lives. No city can solve this nationwide menace alone, however. Our bill locks hands with the District and other jurisdictions that are determined to eliminate synthetic drugs before they become a new embedded drug problem."