Cracking down on drugs - without even looking for them

SPIRIT LAKE — Spirit Lake Police found a creative way to crack down on illegal drugs without stretching resources by offering free testing of such materials.

"Rumors have been circulating recently of large-scale laced or tainted drug shipments such as methamphetamine, heroine and marijuana coming into our area," the department's online public service announcement states.

"The additives in these drugs are undetectable and can have very serious, even life-threatening, permanent health effects on the user."

Heather McDaniel, the department's spokeswoman, said the call was a bit of a joke to show police can have fun with the community and to actually see if it would generate any takers.

While no one acted on the special invite over the weekend through Monday morning, it never hurts to ask, especially if it helps take illegal drugs off the street, McDaniel said.

Even if the free drug test message doesn't net any materials or offenders, a safety reminder is attached, she said.

"Maybe it will make people think twice of what could happen if they put it in their body," McDaniel said. "We'll happily accept any of it."

McDaniel said that if by chance anyone decided to take the department up on its offer, it would perform a routine drug test as what is normally done during searches on patrol. However, the test wouldn't give details of whether the drug was laced with additives without sending it to a lab.

McDaniel said the drugs would be confiscated if they're turned in and, upon the officers' discretion, charges would likely be filed.

The invite has drawn widespread comments, but many citizens are enlightened police can have a sense of humor.

"I'd like to know what the success rate of these posts are," Jeromy Ellis wrote.

Tracie Babor added: "I'll be right down with my 58 grams. Of sugar-laced cookies, that is."

Others remain curious about the post.

"Is this a test?" Colton Bowman said. "Because I feel like this is a test."

Some are hopeful that people step up to be taken down.

"I really hope you post if some crack addict comes in to have their stuff tested," Elizabeth Glidden said.