Idaho man pleads guilty in bath salts distribution case

BOISE, Idaho – A Boise man who imported an analogue drug commonly called “bath salts” from China pleaded guilty Tuesday to possession with in intent to distribute a controlled substance, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Idaho State Police (ISP).

Brent R. Heinrich, 41, ordered the alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (alpha-PVP) from China and had it shipped by FedEx to a false name and address. HSI identified the package as suspicious and alerted the Boise FedEx facility that the parcel might arrive containing a hazardous chemical addressed to the false name. When FedEx officials located the package, they inspected the contents and found two baggies, one that held a powdery substance and one that contained a crystalline substance. HSI special agents and ISP detectives went to the FedEx facility where they determined both of the baggies contained alpha-PVP.

Heinrich was arrested shortly after picking up package at the FedEx facility. Further investigation by the ISP showed that Heinrich, himself a heavy user of bath salts, intended to sell the substance for others to consume.

The controlled substance analogue, alpha-PVP, shares a similar chemical structure with a Schedule I controlled substance MDPV, also known as bath salts.

The charge carries a maximum punishment of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Heinrich’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 14, 2015, before U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge in Boise.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho is prosecuting the case.