RAMOS on Drug Ordinance

 Approves Synthetic Drug Ordinance  

“I am pleased that the Board of Supervisors adopted a

strong policy on these dangerous substances,” comments

Third District County Supervisor James Ramos

 The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved an ordinance making it unlawful for any person to possess any synthetic drug for the purpose of providing, distributing, or selling synthetic drugs. 

The ordinance was designed by the San Bernardino County’s Sheriff Department to establish what the department calls a multi-pronged approach to eliminate the sales of these substances which have been documented to cause hallucinations, agitation, psychosis, aggression, suicidal and homicidal idea-tions, cannibalism, and death. Recreational use of these substances, also known as ‘bath salts’, has gained popularity at an alarming rate among high school and college-age individuals as well as among parolees and probationers. 

The purpose of the Synthetic Drug Ordinance is to provide the County with the means to address the dangers to the community posed by synthetic drugs that are not regulated by state or federal law. “I am pleased that the Board of Supervisors adopted a strong policy on these dangerous substances,” stated Ramos. “I hope the community of Barstow takes pride in the fact that their efforts in dealing with these dangerous substances were highlighted at the meeting.” 

San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon commends the efforts of the community members who worked closely with the Department in dealing with this issue. “These dedicated community members have been a driving force in garnering awareness of this problem and opening law enforcement’s eyes to the extent of possible sales in the county,” McMahon said.