HOUGHTON -- A new synthetic drug marketed as a bath salt is causing problems in communities across the country, including right here in the U.P.
White Rush and Vanilla Sky are just two varieties of the dangerous bath salts, and they're being sold in the City of Houghton.
Despite clear warnings on the package, authorities say there have been several cases in the last year of people snorting or smoking the salts, causing serious side effects, from nose bleeds to death.
"It's really putting people in danger," said Chief John Donnelly of the Houghton Police Department. "Even though they're legal and sold over the counter, we're warning people that they shouldn't be used other than how they're recommended as a bath salt."
At least one state has already banned the salts, which contain a substance known as MDPV.
The police are hoping Michigan will take similar action.
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