Attorney General DeWine announces new efforts to fight synthetic drugs

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WDTN) - Ohio's Attorney General is on the attack against the abuse and sale of synthetic drugs.
 
At a news conference, Nov. 14, 2012, Mike DeWine said he's intensifying his efforts to eliminate drugs such as as bath salts and herbal incense.

"We're making a top priority of going after the sale, use, and distribution of these drugs with all the force of the Attorney General's Office," said DeWine.  

Synthetic drugs, sold under names like "OMG", "Bizarro", "Ivory Wave", and "Vanilla Sky" are addictive, and the high can induce violence and extreme paranoia, according to DeWine and he is asking retailers for help making sure illegal drugs are not sold in our state.

"Some store owners and employees continue to sell these drugs under the table, despite knowing how dangerous they are," said DeWine.  "Anyone who sells or distributes these drugs should be prepared for both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit."

DeWine also announced new efforts to train law enforcement officers on how to investigate synthetic drug cases and how to build cases against synthetic drug distributors in Ohio.  The courses will be available in a few months through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA).