'SPICE' REMOVED FROM STORES BY POLICE REQUEST

Two businesses were asked to stop selling the synthetic marijuana,
spice, by the West Lafayette Police.

Chief Jason Dombkowski said he sent letters to the Citgo gas station
at 101 W State Street and Amused on Chauncey Hill "officially
requesting" that they cease and desist the sale of spice, also known
as K2.

"I made it explicitly clear both in person and in the letter to Amused
and the Citgo that it was a request and not a demand at all,"
Dombkowski said.

Spice has become an issue in many communities because the substance,
and others like it, can be purchased legally as incense. When smoked,
users can experience a high somewhat similar to marijuana's, but with
a host of possible health risks.

Dombkowski said that with a ban being initially considered by the West
Lafayette City Council on Sept. 7, the request to stop spice sales
could keep the dangerous substance out of public hands.

"This is something I thought I needed to do because of the quantity
and prevalence in the student population," Dombkowski said.

After discussing the letter with Amused owner Bob Krusinski,
Dombkowski said Krusinski agreed to stop selling spice in his West
Lafayette store.

Amused also has locations in Lafayette and Bloomington. Dombkowski
said he did not know if K2 would continue to be sold in those other
locations.

When asked about the matter, representatives of Amused said they had
no comment.

The owner of the Citgo could not be reached.

If it passes the first reading, the West Lafayette ban on spice would
be considered again in October and then enacted with Mayor John
Dennis' signature.

Lafayette is also considering a similar ban.