(CNN/WSYR) - Paranoia, hallucinations - even violent bloody attacks - are all are being attributed to a dangerous combination of chemicals. They're often referred to as bath salts, sold over-the-counter at gas stations and convenience stores.
It's a drug you can buy in cities across the U.S. and it's increasingly making headlines.
Dangerous chemical combinations, often referred to as "bath salts" are being blamed for dozens episodes of bizarre, violent behavior.
A New York mother suspected of being high on the chemicals was photographed running around naked before police reportedly used a stun gun to subdue her. She eventually died. She allegedly beat her 3-year-old son and witnesses described her as being out of control. "She got a hold of one of her dogs. She was rolling around on the ground. Her arms wrapped around it. Her legs wrapped around it and she was strangling the dog."
It comes weeks after the gruesome murder in Miami, where a man ate the face of his victim. Authorities said bath salts may have been involved.
Bath salts is a catch-all nickname being given to a group of synthetic stimulants meant to mimic the effects of illegal drugs like meth, cocaine and LSD. They are sold at convenience stores like this one in New Hampshire where a recent raid seized $100 thousand dollars worth.
An undercover detective who wanted his identity protected described a user he encountered. "She was actually picking apart her skin, saying she felt that when she was on it that she had bugs in her skin. She had severe hallucinogenics. She stated feeling an outer power experience. Extreme paranoia was one of the indicators that she said she often feels when she was on...er...bath salts."
And earlier this week in Indiana, police raided more than a half-dozen gas stations which were selling them. Poison centers around the country have seen a rise in calls linked to bath salts.
More than 40 states have banned bath salts and other chemicals that can be used to get high legally. But special agent Jeffrey Scott with the drug enforcement administration says it's not that simple. He says the DEA last year banned three of the most commonly used chemicals found in these drugs.
"Even as I'm speaking now, formulations are changing. The chemicals themselves are changing. We've seen it as something of whack-a-mole. You ban or regulate..schedule..three chemicals, then three more appear. Then five more. So that represents a challenge," says Jeffery Scott, DEA Special Agent.
