Crime & Safety
Deputies Seize ‘Bath Salts’ Drug in San Clemente
Synthetic substance is the same type blamed for a Miami incident in which a man allegedly ate someone's face.
Authorities seized 106 grams of “bath salts” at a San Clemente smoke shop last week.
Deputies arrested 38-year-old Eiad Diab for allegedly selling the substance at his business, Tobacco and Accessories, according to a statement from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Bath salts is the street name for a designer drug linked to delusions, violence and death, including a bizarre incident in which a Miami man attacked a homeless man and ate portions of his face last week.
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Officers in San Clemente also seized 2.6 pounds of “spice,” a synthetic form of marijuana, at Diab’s business at 2727 Via Cascadita.
Diab, described as 5-foot-11 and 187 pounds, was arrested on suspicion of unlawful sale of synthetic stimulants and unlawful sale of synthetic cannabinoid substances.
Find out what's happening in San Clementewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
He posted bond and was released Wednesday.
Patch left a message at his business seeking comment, but heard no response.
Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill last fall that bans synthetic drugs like spice and bath salts.
On Oct. 21, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency issued a 12-month emergency ban on the three substances used to make bath salts – mephedrone, 3,4 methylenedioxypyrovalerone and methyloine.
In the wake of the Miami incident, a number of experts urged a permanent nationwide ban on the substance.
According to the DEA, bath salt users report “impaired perception, reduced motor control, disorientation, extreme paranoia and violent episodes.”
The substance, which is sold in smoke shops and online, goes by such nicknames as Ivory Wave, Purple Wave, Vanilla Sky and Bliss. It can mimic the effects of cocaine, LSD and ecstasy.
