Hoffman man arrested for possessing bath salts

A 36-year-old Hoffman man was arrested for possession of bath salts and synthetic marijuana Tuesday.

The investigation involved the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, West Central Minnesota Narcotics Task Force the U.S. Post Office and deputies from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

According to authorities, agents learned that Richard John Jacobs was receiving a number of suspicious packages through the mail.

They obtained a federal search warrant to go through three of the packages and allegedly found bath salts and synthetic marijuana.

Jacobs was arrested outside of the Hoffman Post Office after he took possession of the packages.

Bath salts are a man-made simulated drug that resemble bath powders. They have resulted in many medical emergencies, according to the task force, and are banned in 28 states.

Minnesota recently added bath salts to its “schedule one” controlled substance list, which means it has no medical use or value. It’s a felony to possess bath salts in Minnesota.

Synthetic marijuana is a psychoactive herbal and chemical product, which when consumed mimics the effects of cannabis. It’s a gross misdemeanor to sell synthetic marijuana and a misdemeanor to possess it.

Officers also executed a search warrant on Jacobs’ residence at 12177 170th Street and located evidence indicating that Jacobs had received bath salts and synthetic marijuana on prior occasions, according to the task force.

Officers also reportedly located evidence of methamphetamine use.

At the time of the arrest, Jacobs was out on bail from a February 2011 charge of first and second degree controlled substance violations in Grant County.

Jacobs is expected to be charged with fifth degree controlled substance crimes and violation of the conditions of his release.

If convicted, Jacobs faces a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

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