K2 ordinance to be enforced immediately, Sheriff says
Faulkner County Sheriff Karl Byrd said Wednesday that effective immediately upon the passing of the county ordinance outlawing the substance known as K2, the Sheriff’s Office will begin enforcing the new law.
“I anticipate this ordinance will create the same criminal penalties as the misdemeanor possession of marijuana charge,” Byrd said.
Byrd said officers will enforce the law against K2 with much of the same methods used when coming in contact with marijuana in instances of legal traffic stops and searches.
Byrd said an effort is now being made to contact area retailers who may have the product on their shelves.
“The first thing we want to do is educate and get retailers to come into compliance willingly,” Byrd said. “Ones that don’t come into compliance willingly will be arrested.” According to Byrd, service stations and retail locations are, upon being notified by the FCSO, required by law to immediately remove the product under all brand names from store shelves.
“We think word will spread quickly,” Byrd said.
Some retail locations in the Conway area selling the product had already pulled displays Wednesday afternoon, one day after the court passed the ordinance.
Horton Travel Center on Harkrider Street in Conway had voided the store of K2 by noon Wednesday.
Rick Morgan, owner of That 70s Store in Conway, said he had not yet heard from officials that he should stop selling his store’s stock of the product.
“I want to sell my stock here, and it will go fast. We do a good business here, anyway,” Morgan said.
Morgan said banning the sale of the K2 “spice” will be a “huge blow” to his sales.
“It has helped the business tremendously,” Morgan said.
In the span of 15 minutes, at least four customers entered the business and made single item purchases of K2 or other brands of the substance.
Prices at the store ranged from about $20 to $50, depending on the potency.
“I plan to keep selling it until I get notified,” Morgan said. “I think it is ridiculous. People are going to get high one way or another. My business is on the edge anyway and I’ve always taken heat so this is no different, really.”
Byrd said businesses will be given the opportunity to be in compliance with the law.
“At any point after that, if they’re found in violation, they’ll be subject to the law,” Byrd said.
Byrd said he believes the ordinance will “pretty much do away with” the popularity of K2 because with similar penalties to marijuana, a higher cost, and adverse side effects, “which one are you going to do?"
“Hopefully neither one,” Byrd said.
Jack Bell, assistant to Mayor Tab Townsell said City Attorney Mike Murphy has been working closely with Conway Police Chief A.J. Gary to draft a similar ordinance banning the substance to be put before the city council.
The council meets next Tuesday. Bell said he is unsure if the ordinance will be ready for Tuesday’s agenda.
“We have to make sure it is right before it goes on there,” Bell said. “It’s just a matter of getting it put together.”
(Staff writer Courtney Spradlin can be reached by e-mail at courtney.spradlin@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1236. To comment on this and other stories in the Log Cabin, log on to www.thecabin.net. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)
