Crime & Safety

Woonsocket Police Warn Convenience Store Owners About Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic pot and bath salts, mimics of marijuana and amphetamines/cocaine, respectively, became illegal July 16, and Woonsocket Police are making sure city convenience stores know it.

Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed two companion bills, Senate Bill 2013-S0454A and House Bill 2013-H5325A, banning synthetic cannabinoids, piperazines and cathinones, known as synthetic pot and herbal incense, as well as "bath salts," also known as "spice" on July 16. The changes to the RI “Uniform Controlled Substances Act” went into effect immediately.

In partnership with the Woonsocket Prevention Coalition, Woonsocket Police organized an "educational campaign" for the city's 31 convenience stores.  On August 28, 2013, teams of officers visited thirty-one stores to ensure compliance with the new law.

Officers found suspected substances in one store, and sent samples to the RI Department of Health for testing. Woonsocket Police Public Information Officer Det. Jamie Paone said the department isn't identifying the store with the suspected illegal drugs, since the effort was to educate shop owners and ensure compliance, and no charges are being made against the store owner.  

An educational flyer concerning the new law about synthetic drugs was left at each store by the teams.    







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