After numerous complaints of illegal and synthetic drug activity stemming from a Warsaw business, Warsaw police and the Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office initiated a focused patrol effort for several hours Thursday afternoon. Warsaw Police Narcotics Investigation Taskforce fanned out on the east side of Warsaw, which resulted in 14 criminal charges including possession of a synthetic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence of drugs, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash, driving while suspended and battery resulting in bodily injury. At this time, all of the charges are misdemeanor criminal offenses and some charges are pending issuance of arrest warrants, according to a press release provided to all media from the Warsaw Police Department. In all, Warsaw police arrested seven people and served one criminal warrant. Nine traffic citations and nine warning citations were issued, along with the impoundment of five vehicles. Warsaw officers witnessed two motor vehicle crashes, including one vehicle which left the scene and was apprehended. Police K-9s alerted on four vehicles and one gun was found. Synthetic drugs are often marked and marketed as “K2”, “Spice”, “Incense”, “Potpourri”, “Herbal Sachets”, “Plant Food” and “Bath Salts”. These products are sold in small packets or containers for $20 to $50 by retailers. The products are typically marked “not for human consumption,” and they have no legitimate purpose and are being ingested by users, particularly by youth. It is well documented that users of these substances experience paranoia and hallucinations, as well as frequently exhibiting aggressive, unpredictable and often violent behavior. These synthetic drugs can cause dangerously high body temperatures, racing heart rates, high blood pressure, permanent organ damage and the psychotic effect of these substances often last for several days. These synthetic drugs contain dangerous chemicals that are harmful to humans and are banned and illegal in Indiana. Even chemical compositions that reasonably appear to be a controlled substance are illegal under the Indiana Controlled Substances Act. The Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office will aggressively pursue civil remedies against any person or business involved in the sale of these dangerous substances, according to the release. Additionally, the Warsaw Police Department and Kosciusko County law enforcement are committed to pursue the appropriate criminal remedies and penalties for those that manufacture, deliver, finance the manufacture or delivery of, or possess synthetic drugs. Kosciusko County law enforcement is taking an active and aggressive stand against these dangerous drugs in the community.
