Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan Joins Police Chiefs, Rep. Cory Atkins Proposing Change in State Law to Combat New Synthetic Chemical Drug
WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, State Representative Cory Atkins of Concord, and seven of the county’s police chiefs today advised the public of legislative and law enforcement action in connection with a new synthetic chemical drug that is illegal under federal drug laws but not yet classified as a controlled substance in Massachusetts.
District Attorney Ryan and Representative Atkins collaborated on a bill to update state drug laws to include these chemical compounds as a Class B substance, making it illegal to possess or sell. The drug can be similar in appearance to LSD and used as a hallucinogen.
District Attorney Ryan detailed concerns about NBOMe – often referred to as “N-bomb,” “Smiles,” “RC” or “25-I.”
“Most young people are unaware of how lethal this hallucinogen is or the number of deaths that have already been linked to NBOMe,” District Attorney Ryan said. “What makes these compounds so dangerous is they are cheap to buy and small doses, measured in micrograms, can be incredibly harmful. The power of these chemicals has a tremendous impact, more than LSD in some cases. And this drug can take many forms: pills, powder, liquid drops and colorful paper blotter tabs.”
Police in Middlesex County have seen the drug in cases involving teenagers from Concord, Chelmsford and Westford. In 2013, Acton Police identified NBOMe while responding to a domestic violence incident.
State Representative Atkins has submitted an emergency bill to the Massachusetts Legislature that will amend state drug law to include three forms of NBOMe as Class B substances. The proposed amendment would enable police to seize the drug when it is found in someone’s possession and to investigate distribution, which is often arranged via online transactions.
“This crisis demanded a rapid response,” Representative Atkins said. “District Attorney Ryan and I were able to move quickly on this issue because of the good working relationship we have enjoyed on domestic violence and other legislative issues. I am pleased we were able to file this bill immediately to empower our police force to keep our communities safe.”
Police chiefs and officers from Acton, Belmont, Carlisle, Concord, UMass-Lowell, Weston and Westford attended the event. State Representative Paul Brodeur of Melrose also participated in the briefing.
Concord Police Chief Joseph O’Connor said his department has responded to emergency calls related to NBOMe and is investigating its distribution.
"This is a dangerous drug that has appeared in our communities,” Chief O’Connor added. “I am proud to see our partners in state government and in the District Attorney’s Office reacting so swiftly giving us the resources we need to fight this dangerous substance.”
In November 2013, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency added NBOMe to its list of controlled substances. According to the federal government, 19 deaths have been attributed to NBOMe overdose or to related violent or unsafe behavior. Since U.S. law enforcement officials first reported seeing NBOMe in June 2011, it has been identified in more than 35 states.