Indictments prompt police to caution use of spice

A new effort by law enforcement called “operation Log Jam” raided locations in 109 cities across the country — including 11 in Twin Falls.

The target: synthetic drugs.

While it now may be illegal in Idaho, the use of spice or synthetic marijuana is still a cause of concern for local law enforcement.

Police said just because it can’t be bought in gas stations, smoke shops or over the internet like before, doesn’t mean it’s not being used or even that you can’t get it in our area.

The law calls it synthetic cannabanoid–essentially what it is is man-made marijuana.

“Different people are going to react different ways, but a lot of times, it just gives you that euphoric feeling,” said Sgt. Doug Metcalf, Bonneville County.

This synthetic marijuana is often referred to as spice, K2, Aroma or Mr. Smiley and it has gone from over the counter to underground.

“It’s very hard to locate here in Bonneville County, so it’s more of an underground or hidden drug that we do come across every once in a while,” said Metcalf.

The repercussions for having, using or selling this drug is similar to the those involving marijuana. Felony charges and huge fines are involved.

Local prosecutors said when it comes to spice, the focus is on the chemicals that make the drug.

“We’ll bring in a chemist to testify about the chemicals use,” said Bruce Pickett, Bonneville County Prosecutor. “The law though is written in a way that doesn’t exclude a specific chemical. It includes the chemical compounds that are similar in nature, and that would prevent someone from changing the recipe even just a little bit.”

Idaho Falls law enforcement has made several spice busts in shops over the last couple of months. Those cases, however, are still in court.