Bonney Lake Police are launching a new campaign against the drug known as “bath salts” following a federal crackdown on the chemicals.

The Drug Enforcement Administration on Oct. 21 took emergency action to ban three synthetic stimulants used to make products that are marketed at head shops and on the Web as “bath salts,” but are actually used as recreational drugs that mimic the effects of cocaine, LSD and methamphetamine.

According to the DEA, these substances have the potential to be very harmful and, therefore, pose an imminent hazard to the public safety.

The emergency measure places these substances — mephedrone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and methylone — under the D.E.A.’s most restrictive Schedule 1 category for at least a year, while they study whether they should be permanently banned. This classification is reserved for substances with high potential for abuse and no accepted use under medical supervision.

These products, sometimes called bath salts, are sold at smoke or head shops in powder or crystal form under names like Bliss, Purple Wave, Vanilla Sky and Ivory Wave.

Many deaths have been attributed to the use of these substances. Users can experience severe, long lasting paranoia, hallucinations and suicidal tendencies.

Retail sales of Schedule I controlled substances to the general public are not allowed under the Controlled Substances Act.

The Bonney Lake Police Department will be contacting retail establishments in Bonney Lake to ensure awareness and enforcement of this new ban.  Parents are encouraged to speak to their children regarding the dangers of this drug and to bring any products with banned substances to the medication disposal box located in the lobby of the public safety building.