Dr. Bernard Eichold: Spice is a serious problem

MOBILE, Ala. -- Mobile County Health Department Health Officer Dr. Bernard Eichold II took part in a news conference with other law enforcement officials Wednesday, April 23, 2014, to talk about the dangers of Spice, a synthetic marijuana-like substance that has been blamed for a number of deaths in recent months.

 “This is a very serious medical problem that negatively impacts the health and well-being of our residents,” said Dr.Eichold, speaking at the Drug Education Council in Mobile. “Something is different in this product and we are very concerned about it. Spice is dangerous. It should be eliminated from our streets.”

More than 480 packets of spice were confiscated by Mobile County law enforcement on Wednesday, April 23, with names on the packaging that included Dr. Klimaxx Potpourri and Kush. The packages were put on display during the news conference.

“Spice will kill you,” said Debra Tillman with the Mobile County District Attorney’s office. “We have seen that and we are very serious about prosecuting those cases. “

Mobile County Sheriff Sam Cochran said he has been warning the public of the dangers of Spice for some time. “Now is the time to make sure your children know about this drug,” Cochran said. “If you know someone is providing it or selling it to your children we need to know about it.”