WASHINGTON (AP) — The Drug Enforcement Administration is leading a national crackdown against manufacturers, distributors and vendors of synthetic designer drugs.
The DEA and other law enforcement agencies are raiding smoke shops and other sellers of synthetic marijuana and other synthetic drugs, such as "bath salts," in about 100 cities nationwide.
Earlier this month President Barack Obama signed a bill that bans the sale, production and possession of many of the chemicals found in some of the most popular synthetic drugs.
Drug agents and health professional have been warning that these new designer drugs, including synthetic marijuana products sold as incense and "bath salts," which can mimic the effects of cocaine, LSD and methamphetamine, haven't been tested or approved for human consumption. The drugs have been blamed for deaths around the country.
