ANCHORAGE — The Anchorage mayor is proposing tougher penalties for using or dealing the synthetic drug known as Spice, which authorities say has been causing an increasing in medical emergencies in the city.
KTUU-TV reports that Mayor Ethan Berkowitz is proposing distribution penalties as high as a year in jail and a $10,000 fine. He also proposes six months of jail time and a $2,000 fine for using the drug.
The assembly is scheduled to consider his proposals on Oct. 27.
Possession of Spice is currently punishable by a $500 ticket. Berkowitz’ office says Anchorage police have issued 30 of those tickets since August.
According to a press release, the Anchorage Fire Department transported 468 patients suspected of using Spice between July 18 and Oct. 4.
Officials say that’s nearly six people a day.
