Crime & Safety

Plymouth Township, Canton Police Urge Businesses to Stop Selling K2, Spice

The department is joining other local police in calling for area businesses to voluntarily stop selling the controversial synthetic drug.

Plymouth Township Police Chief Thomas Tiderington and Canton Township Police Director Pat Nemecek are joining Northville Township Public Safety Director John Werth in asking stores in Western Wayne County to stop the sale of the controversial drug K2.

The sale of K2——has drawn much attention throughout Michigan in recent weeks. Most notably, , 19, of Farmington Hills is believed to have been high on synthetic marijuana in April when he was accused of attacking his family,. Last week, state Rep. George Darany (D-Dearborn) aimed to combat the sale and use of synthetic marijuana in the state of Michigan.

Police Chiefs in Northville, Canton and Plymouth townships will send letters to nearly 100 businesses in the area, "warning they could face criminal or civil penalties if they sell an increasingly popular and dangerous drug commonly known as 'K2, Spice, Bath Salts,'" according to a statement from Plymouth Township's police department.

The Western Wayne Community Response Team (CRT) sent undercover officers over the past few weeks into more than 25 gas stations, stores and markets throughout the three townships to attempt to purchase the synthetic drugs. Three store clerks provided the synthetic drug to undercover agents, though it is unclear from the release if any of the stores that sold to them are in Plymouth or Canton.

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"At one location the store clerk produced the product, from below the counter, labeled 'Space Cadet/Blueberry,' and stated that 'one hit will really mess you up,'" according to the statement.

Though technically legal, the synthetic drugs can be 500 to 2,000 times stronger than the actual illicit substances that they mimic, according to the release. Police also caution that some people buying the substance believe that it's legal and safe, but medical professionals advise otherwise.

"Many businesses and business owners are exploiting loopholes in federal regulations and state laws and selling substances, primarily to young people, that are extremely harmful and dangerous. Each of these locations and all other locations within the three communities will be served with letters asking them to immediately cease and desist possession, manufacture, distribution and sale of these compounds," according to the police press release. "The police departments are asking for voluntary compliance of the businesses to stop the selling of all synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones."

The Western Wayne Criminal Investigations CRT consists of officers from Canton Township, Northville Township, Plymouth Township, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan State Police.

If residents see the products being displayed or sold at a store, police ask that they report it to their local law enforcement.


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