The director of an addictions program in Pictou County is applauding the federal government’s move to criminalize the active ingredient in the street drug known as ‘bath salts’.

“Pictou County was probably one of the first places in Canada that (bath salts) became a prominent illicit drug,” says Greg Purvis, Director of Addictions Services with Pictou County Health Authority.

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq says it is now illegal to possess, traffic, import or export M-D-P-V, the main ingredient in bath salts.

Purvis says he’s impressed with how quickly the federal government was able to pass the legislation.

“The push for this started in May, and to have this on the controlled substance list Schedule 1 within five months is almost unheard of,” says Purvis. “I think it really just speaks to what happened nation-wide and sort of the pressure and the recognition by the politicians that this is a dangerous chemical substance, and that it needs to be regulated appropriately.”

The New Glasgow Police Department is also welcoming the news.

“It’s very good news because it gives our officers additional resources in terms of dealing with the illicit drug,” Says New Glasgow Police Cst. Ken MacDonald. “It’s very welcomed news for our front-line officers who deal with this very dangerous drug.”