Mother Says Synthetic Drug Known as Spice Responsible for Son's Suicide

Deputies raided the Amargosa Smoke Shop and Mini Mart in Victorville Monday and seized a hidden stash of suspected spice.

A mother whose son committed suicide after being addicted to a synthetic drug called “spice” is on a mission to stop the illegal sales of the drug.

"I loved him with all my heart. I still love him," Kimberley Plumley said of her 20-year-old son Joseph Signorelli, who took his life last month.

Plumley said her son tried to quit using the addictive drug, but the withdrawals were too intense.

"My son was depressed. He could not eat. He could not sleep," Plumley said. "My boy was gone. His life was over from something that could have been prevented."

Spice is illegal to sell in California, but Plumey sad that some businesses continue to secretly offer it. She recently sent her son’s friend to a local shop to see if he could purchase it and later told officials what she found.

Deputies raided the Amargosa Smoke Shop and Mini Mart in Victorville Monday and seized a hidden stash of suspected spice. They found more than 100 packets and vials of the suspected drug.

“Well it's a huge problem that's continuing to grow throughout the county,” an undercover deputy said. "The frequency of addiction to it is alarming."

The owner of the smoke shop declined to talk to NBC4.

Deputies gave the owner of the smoke shop a misdemeanor citation. He could ultimately lose his business license, according to an NBC4 report.

Anyone who may have information about other businesses that may be selling spice are urged to call the San Bernardino Police Department.

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