Bath Salt Drug Possession in Florida

Unless you've been living alone in a well-fortified abandoned military bunker, sustaining yourself on SPAM and Twinkies, you've probably already heard about Miami's "bath salt zombie" case.

This is what happened, according to U.S. News and World Report:

Police are blaming bath salts for turning 31-year-old Rudy Eugene into what multiple media outlets are calling the "naked zombie" after Eugene was found eating the face of a homeless person in Miami.

A witness said Eugene was "tearing [the homeless man] to pieces with his mouth." Eugene destroyed much the man's face, leaving just his goatee in tact—the unidentified victim is now fighting for his life in a Miami hospital.

Police originally suspected Eugene was on a cocaine-fueled delirium trip, but have since said that he was likely high on "bath salts"-which contain amphetamine-like chemicals.

So-called "bath salts" can contain any number of lab-produced stimulants. Until fairly recently, they could be purchased in gas stations and convenience stores, and many varieties can still be purchased online. The DEA banned the most common chemicals used in bath salts in September 2011. Under the ban, which will last one year, the drugs are considered Schedule One Narcotics. Many states, including Florida, ban the possession and sale of drugs, as well. There is currently legislation going through congress that will make drugs illegal nationwide.

You can be arrested in Florida for possession if you have any illegal formulation of bath salts. Possession is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. If you are on probation, you can be violated if you test positive for any of these drugs, which can result in your probation being revoked. If you or someone you know is facing charges or other criminal consequences involving bath salts, contact our offices for representation.