8/20/14 - A new ordinance in Hamburg Township has identified several drug-related activities as civil infractions. The ordinance came about after Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt told township officials that it was not against state law to possess drug paraphernalia. Last night, the township board approved a new ordinance that will make it a civil infraction to possess anything on a long list of drug paraphernalia, including bongs, water pipes, and âcocaine kitsâ consisting of a razor blade and a mirror. However, several items commonly used for drug abuse are common household objects, like spoons, precision scales, balloons, and envelopes. Police Chief Rick Duffany says those more common items will not be considered in violation of the ordinance unless they have clearly been used or modified for drug abuse. The ordinance also bans loitering or frequenting locations and vehicles where controlled substances are used, possessed, manufactured, or stored illegally. Lastly, it specifies that medical marijuana patients must transport their marijuana in the same containers in which they were provided until they get to their homes. Duffany says the new rules will make it easier for his officers to investigate drug crimes. Because possession of paraphernalia is now against local ordinance, suspects found with it can be detained and forced to produce identification. Officers will also be able to press criminal charges against those who lie about their identities. The ordinance will go into effect September 18th. (TD)
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