Pubdate: Wed, 08 Feb 2012
Source: Kingsport Times-News (TN)
Copyright: 2012 Kingsport Publishing Corporation
Contact: http://www.timesnews.net/lettertoeditor.php
Website: http://www.timesnews.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1437
Author: Matthew Lane

KINGSPORT POLICE LOOK AT CLOSING HEAD SHOPS

KINGSPORT - Police Chief Gale Osborne said on Tuesday the "wheels of 
justice" are moving toward addressing the synthetic drug situation in 
the Model City, noting that the department has been in contact with 
the city of Knoxville, which shut down four "head shops" last week.

In response to the growing number of people using synthetic drugs, 
such as synthetic marijuana and so-called bath salts, Kingsport 
approved a citywide ban on the products Dec. 6 with the penalty for 
the sale and possession of such products being a $50 civil penalty.

Since Kingsport's ban went into effect, police have been monitoring 
the dozen or so shops and convenience stores that had allegedly been 
selling the products, saying all but one are in compliance. However, 
no citations have been issued to date.

On Tuesday, Osborne gave an update to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen 
on what police have been doing on the synthetic drug situation in the 
Model City.

"Long before (synthetic drugs) got the public's attention, we've been 
investigating and trying to find the best way to fight the problem in 
our area," Osborne said, noting that before the city's ordinance 
became effective, the department had collected evidence and sent it 
to the TBI for testing two months ago.

Osborne said the department is in the process of meeting with 
Sullivan County District Attorney Barry Staubus and Lt. Gov. Ron 
Ramsey about the issue, adding that legislation has been introduced 
in the state legislature and should be addressed in March.

"Hopefully it will have the teeth in it so we can aggressively 
address the sale, possession and manufacture of synthetic drugs," Osborne said.

Last week, the Knoxville Police Department shut down four "head 
shops" that authorities claim repeatedly sold illegal synthetic 
marijuana and drug paraphernalia. According to Knoxville media 
reports, the closures are only temporary injunctions and the business 
owners are due in court next Thursday to argue before a judge as to 
why their stores should re-open.

"That may be another tool we could use," Osborne said. "We've been in 
contact with Knoxville and the district attorney is doing some 
research. It may be applicable if the judge upholds it."
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