DEARBORN, Michigan – On September 24, 2014 the Wayne County Department of Public Health issued an Emergency Order declaring “Cloud 9” and similar products illegal and an imminent danger to residents.
The synthetic drug “Cloud 9” is a clear liquid that can be put into a drink, smoked using an e-cigarette, hookah or smoked with marijuana. It is packaged in a small bottle without labels indicating contents or ingredients. The effects can include agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, chest pain, increased pulse, high blood pressure and suicidal thinking or behavior. It’s often sold as incense.
Cloud 9
To date, there have not been any reported incidents involving “Cloud 9” in Dearborn. However, the Dearborn Police Department with the support of Mayor John B. O’Reilly, the Dearborn City Council and State Representative George T. Darany decided to take a proactive approach and formulated a plan to visit every gas station, tobacco shop and convenience store in the City that could potentially offer these products for sale.
“Immediately following the County’s Emergency Order we began visiting each and every location in the City where these dangerous substances might be sold,” Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad said. “As of today, we have visited over 60 establishments and not found a single violation.”
During these visits officers took the opportunity to educate the business owners on what type of substances are banned and their potential threat to public safety. They provide the owners with a copy of Wayne County’s Emergency Order and a letter from Chief Haddad which further outlines the dangers and penalties if they offer these items for sale.
Cloud 9
Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Brian Whiston disclosed that while the schools have not experienced any instances involving “Cloud 9”, all district staff will be made aware of this new dangerous drug and it’s potentially deadly effects on users.
If any business or individual is found in possession of these extremely dangerous and illegal synthetic drugs the Dearborn Police Department will see that the offenders are criminally charged. Penalties range from a misdemeanor (local ordinance) to a felony (state law) with a maximum penalty of imprisonment for not more than 7 years or a fine of not more than $10,000.00, or both.
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