MONTPELIER, Vt. -
We have new details tonight, we first told you about the family of three who died in a car accident on I-89 in May. Today we learned that the driver of that car, 29 year old Jason Potvin had bath salts in his system.
Governor Peter Shumlin is partnering with law enforcement agencies all across the state to educate people on the tragic affects these designer drugs can have.
"Bath salts are bad news," Governor Peter Shumlin said.
They're killing Vermonters, Governor Shumlin says the triple fatal car crash that happened in May might have happened because of bath salts. "We're losing good, decent Vermonters to an epidemic," the Governor added.
Just earlier this week, another fatality, a man in Rutland died from the drug.
"These are not grandma's bath salts," Health Commissioner Harry Chen said.
Law enforcement met in Montpelier to learn more about these drugs, what to look out for, and what the laws ban. They're labeled as bath salts, potpourri or incense, but they're a mix of chemicals that can either look like powder or dried flowers. They're sold at head shops, gas stations and online, in small flashy packets that sound enticing.
"Ivory bliss, purple wave," Commissioner Chen said.
But when young people snort, inject and or smoke the drug, the side effects can be extreme: delusional super power type thoughts, hallucinations, paranoia, suicidal behavior and death.
"These zombie Youtube videos that you're seeing on the Internet should serve as a clear warning to everyone," Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn said.
The tricky thing is keeping these drugs illegal. It's a moving target. Once the government bans one list of ingredients, a new recipe has already been created.
"As fast as they change their mix, our rule will be broad enough so that they're busted if they use it," Governor Shumlin said.
Currently all of these substances are banned and shouldn't be seen on any shelves, but again, the chemicals are constantly changing and legislators have vowed to stay on top of it.
