In its first step to regulate the latest imitation drug, the city of Truesdale approved an ordinance prohibiting certain “bath salts” last week. During a discussion at last Wednesday’s board of aldermen meeting on the proposed ordinance, Truesdale Police Chief Andy Huston informed the board that the use of bath salts is increasing locally and that he heard 10 to 12 overdoses had been reported in the county. The ordinance makes it illegal for a person to possess, use or transport a “bath salt” drug within the city limits. The new city regulations applies to the baths salts sold under names such as Cloud Nine, Ivory Wave and Blue Silk, or other substances that contain mephedrone and methylenedioxpyrovalermone, also known as MDPV. Aldermen voted unanimously to pass the ordinance. Huston, who also works full time as a Warren County deputy, said the bath salts usually are heated on a spoon and injected. They can also be smoked. The effects of the salts is comparable to methamphetamine, PCP and other drugs. “It’s one of the more popular, well-used drugs around,” Huston told The Record. “Putting a squash to it will help us in the future.” More states are moving in the direction of banning “bath salts,” but as of now, there is no federal law prohibiting their sale. The bath salts are sold legally at convenience stores, drug paraphernalia shops and on the Internet. However, in most cases they aren’t being used for the purposes listed on the label. Mayor Murray Bruer hopes the city’s proactive stance on outlawing bath salts will be a message for drug users “We’re looking at zero tolerance of any drug use,” he said. “We will go after it, pursue it and make sure it won’t happen in Truesdale, I know it won’t be 100 percent, but for so long, we’ve been a dumping ground for drugs. We will pass ordinances and go after these people constantly.” Prior to last week, Truesdale aldermen have been considering a ban to sell drug paraphernalia and K2, a synthetic marijuana. However, board members have delayed any action to see if the state Legislature passes any stringent regulations on the imitation marijuana. Beginning March 1, the chemicals used in so-called incense were banned for sale for at least a year in a move made by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The fake marijuana, sold in drug paraphernalia shops and on the Internet, is marketed under various brands including Spice, Blaze and Red X Dawn. The products contain organic leaves coated with chemicals that provide a marijuana-like high when smoked. City officials initiated discussions on regulating drug paraphernalia after the city was approached informally by a business wanting to sell items that are commonly associated with drug use, such as pipes and bongs. While the new business never materialized to the point where a business license was needed, city officials expressed opposition to the types of items that would be sold and preferred addressing the ban now so a similar business wouldn’t be interested in operating in the city in the future.