Arkansas Family Indicted for Importing & Distributing Bath Salts from China
A Heber Springs, Ark., family and three others were indicted for distribution of synthetic narcotics, known as bath salts, imported from China, reported Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. The bath salts in this case were manufactured in and imported from China and distributed to individuals in the Heber Springs area, primarily teenagers and young adults, ICE said.
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(Bath salts are a street name for illegal synthetic narcotics, including Methylone, Pentedrone and MDPV. These synthetic narcotics are Schedule I controlled substances or analogues to Schedule I controlled substances, which are illegal to possess and which have no legitimate consumer use. Bath salts mimic the effects of commonly recognized drugs, such as methamphetamine and MDMA, also known as Ecstasy, and often are more potent and have greater effects on the user.)
In July 2011, the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the Hogan family residence and seized items used in the distribution of bath salts. Christopher Hogan, 45, was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. While on bond (during the Fall of 2011 and into the Spring of 2012) Hogan continued to import and distribute bath salts, ICE said.
In January 2012, ICE special agents intercepted a package from China addressed to Christopher Hogan. The package contained about 250 grams of Methylone. ICE began a joint investigation with the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, resulting in the indictment.
Each charge of aiding and abetting, possession and conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver these synthetic narcotics carries a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine or both, with at least three years of supervised release to follow, ICE said. The charge of misprision of a felony has a possible sentence of up to three years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, with up to one year of supervised release to follow.