Utica Bans Bath Salts

Utica’s Common Council voted unanimously Wednesday night to ban the sale and/or possession of bath salts and any derivative of them within city limits. This is in addition to the state and national ban– a local ban allows officials to prosecute offenders.

Utica Mayor Palmieri drafted the law with the help of the city lawyers, police and the county, combining what’s in federal, state, and other local agencies’ laws to ensure the best punishment for Utica offenders.

Mayor Palmieri thanked the council for their support of this crucial law.

The “bath salt” issue, which encompasses a wide arrange of synthetic drugs, has become a national epidemic recently. The City of Utica has seen a large spike in incidents and this new law will give law enforcement more authority to combat the problem.

Those selling or possessing bath salts as well as any derivative of the synthetic drug in Utica could face up to $250 in fines and 15 days in jail.

Council members were unanimous in their comments supporting the need for the law, which was supported by Police Chief Mark Williams, during their pre-meeting conference.

Mayor Palmieri signed the ordinance at 8:30 pm. Wednesday night, making it effective immediately.

By Larry Tanoury Jr.