Law Enforcement Targets ‘Designer Drugs’ Sold on ‘Walk

COURT HOUSE — Cape May County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor has announced an on-going state-wide initiative being conducted by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and Wildwood Police Department in an effort to rid the Wildwood Boardwalk retail stores of so-called designer drugs that are being offered for sale.
According to a release, on Tue., July 12, Consumer Affairs investigators, along with detectives from the County Prosecutor’s Office and Wildwood Police Department identified over 12 businesses that were selling a synthetic form of marijuana, being marketed under such names as “K-2” and “Jersey Shore”; and certain bath salts, which are being marketed under such names as “Rush Incense Aromatherapy” and “Sweet Lucy,” that have been designated as controlled dangerous substances.
Investigators delivered warning letters and applicable state laws governing the possession and sale of these banned substances.
The initiative is intended to be educational and to immediately stop the sale of these dangerous substances. The business owners were in-formed that any and all substances being sold for the purpose of causing a condition on intoxication, inebriation, excitement, stupefaction or dulling of the brain or nervous system are unlawful. Many of the businesses surrendered these substances immediately.
Investigators seized over 1,400 bags of synthetic marijuana from the Wildwood Boardwalk alone.
Taylor advised that this is an on-going initiative in which criminal investigation and prosecution for the sale of imitation controlled dangerous substances or toxic chemicals will be sought for business owners who fail to comply with the law.
According to Taylor, these substances are packaged and marketed to be sold to juveniles and young adults and urges parents to be cognizant of any suspicious products that may be in the possession of their children and should contact their local police department if any suspected illegal substances are found.
These substances are produced from synthetic chemicals and have been associated with alarming physical and psychological symptoms, as well as acts of violence and suicidal thoughts.