Following an attack where a man in Florida bit of part of the face of his victim, while under the effects of “bath salts,” law enforcement authorities are growing more and more concerned. The incident in Miami occurred last week when a naked Rudy Eugene attacked Ronald Poppo, who is still in critical condition at a Miami hospital.
Some doctors and police believe Eugene, described by those who know him as not being violent, though he has had a number of run-ins with law enforcement throughout his life, might have been under the influence of “bath salts” when he attacked Poppo.
The recent case is not an isolated incident where violence has been associated with people using “bath salts,” which can cause psychotic episodes in people who use it.
The drugs cause an increased heart rate and blood pressure along with agitation. In the most severe cases, it causes hallucinations, paranoia and violent behavior. There have been episodes nationwide where violent side effects were reported.
An emergency ban was issued by the DEA last October on three of the ingredients often found in the drug. Congress is now debating on whether to impose a ban that would be permanent.
