Officials Fear Bath Salts Are Growing Drug Problem

FULTON, Miss. (AP) — Authorities in several states say they're seeing a new street drug with terrifying effects.

Sold as bath salts under such names as Ivory Wave, Red Dove, Bliss, White Lightning and Hurricane Charlie, authorities say they contain chemicals that can cause hallucinations, paranoia, rapid heart rates and suicidal thoughts. The chemicals are found in bath salts and even plant foods that are sold legally at convenience stores and on the Internet.

Some say the effects of the chemicals are as powerful as abusing methamphetamine. Increasingly, law enforcement agents and poison control centers say the bath salts with their complex chemical names are an emerging menace, and officials in some states, including Mississippi and Kentucky, are talking about banning their sale.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

FULTON, Miss. (AP) — Authorities in several states say they're seeing a new street drug with terrifying effects.

Sold under such names as Ivory Wave, Red Dove, Bliss, White Lightning and Hurricane Charlie, authorities say the chemicals can cause hallucinations, paranoia, rapid heart rates and suicidal thoughts. They're packaged as bath salts or even plant food and sold legally at convenience stores and over the Internet.

Some say the effects of the powders are as powerful as abusing methamphetamine. Increasingly, law enforcement agents and poison control centers say the ersatz bath salts with their complex chemical names are an emerging menace, and officials in some states, including Mississippi and Kentucky, are talking about banning their sale.