FENTON, MI (WNEM) -
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton has charged two Fenton teenagers with breaking into a local store to steal the synthetic drug known as K-2 spice.
Zackery Thomas Lloyd, 17, and Thomas Dean Williamson, 19, are each charged with breaking and entering a building with intent to commit a larceny, a 10-year felony, after they entered the closed "Smoker's Hub" store on Silver Lake Road in Fenton this past Saturday through a building vent.
According to police, both had been arrested earlier in the week for possessing K-2 at Fenton High School.
"These synthetic drugs have become more and more prevalent in our local communities and across the country," said Leyton. "They are very dangerous and can result in unpredictable, violent behavior," he said.
"I urge all young people to stay away from these drugs and not be tempted into experimenting with them," Leyton continued. "Not only are the legal ramifications severe, but the use of these substances could have very dire consequences far beyond what an individual may be seeking."
Lloyd and Williamson have been arraigned and will have pre-trial conferences Friday in 67th District Court.
Meanwhile, Gov. Rick Snyder has signed bills banning so-called synthetic marijuana in Lansing on Tuesday.
The substance, sold under trade names like Spice and K2, has been available in stores as a mix of dried herbs and spices sprayed with chemicals. It has been blamed for health problems and violent behavior, especially among young people.
The bills crack down on synthetic cannabinoids and products sometimes referred to as bath salts. They also allow the Department of Community Health to declare health dangers when other synthetic drugs pop up. The bills were recently approved by the state Legislature.
Copyright WNEM 2012 (Meredith Corporation). The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved.
