Miami Zombie Cannibal Attack, Government Bans 'Bath Salts'
Calls to ban "bath salts" have increased following a cannibalistic attack that took place in Florida on Saturday- dubbed by many as the "naked zombie attack."
The U.S. Senate recently voted 96-1 to ban the chemicals that are used to make the drug known as bath salts along with other synthetic drugs, which critics say may help prevent further gruesome attacks. The news came after one man was left fighting for his life after having his face chewed off in Miami over the weekend, according to USnews.com.
"A common effect of these synthetic products is that they cause psychotic episodes- anxiety, paranoia, they're all documented effects," Paul Melton, an investigator with Florida's Pinellas County Justice Coordination told USnews.
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"Does it cause someone to eat someone's face, I can't say that ... But it certainly could cause anxiety and delusions that could lead to something like that," he added.
Rudy Eugene, 31, was shot and killed by Miami police on Saturday afternoon after he ignored their orders to stop eating a homeless man's face.
Eugene, who some suspect was high on bath salts during the horrific attack, walked naked alongside the MacArthur Causeway before pouncing on Ronald Poppo, who was sleeping before he awoke to his face being devoured, according to Miami Herald.
Poppo, 65, was left fighting for his life after having his nose, mouth and eyes chewed off of his face and the gruesome attack has led to questions about the dangerous drug.
Bath salts, which can be snorted, injected, or swallowed, is said to be the street name for a drug containing synthetic stimulants such as mephedrone or methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV).
The drug, which has been described as being similar to amphetamines, cocaine, and LSD, is so potent that it is often sold as a form of plant fertilizer.
Susan Collins, the Maine Republican senator who sponsored the federal bill that would ban synthetic drugs, said that the drug is a "national threat that requires national action" in a recent press release.
Police confirmed that there was no evidence of drugs or paraphernalia at the scene of the attack on Saturday, and toxicology tests will take several weeks to determine whether Eugene had consumed the drug.
