UC Hosting Bath Salts Forum

Utica, NY (WIBX) - Utica College is addressing the dangers of bath salts by hosting an open forum.

It will be held in the college's Carbone Auditorium in the Economic Crime and Justice Studies building, on Wednesday, September 19th at 3:30.

Jeanna Maraffa, with the Upstate New York Poison Control Center, will give keynote remarks. During her talk, she will cover the warning signs people should look for in others and the composition of the synthetic drugs.

William Virkler, executive director of UC's economic crime and justice studies program, says legislation against the chemicals found in bath salts is effective.

"There are several [chemicals] that are consistently in what are called 'bath salts,' or three of four other street names for it before this," Virkler said. "But, you can legislate against this. Some have tried and even then, in other states, it's only a misdemeanor. It's a problem."

To talk about the legislative options available, a panel made up of law enforcement leaders, including Sheriff Rob Maciol, Oneida County Executive, Anthony Picente and District Attorney, Scott McNamara.

Today's event is free to attend, though seating is limited.