In the ongoing battle to outlaw commonly available synthetic drugs, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi used emergency powers Tuesday, December 11, 2012 to ban 22 additional variations of the substances.
The new rules will help law enforcement keep harmful substances off store shelves, Bondi said — making it a third-degree felony for anyone to make, sell or deliver the banned types of substances known popularly as bath salts and synthetic marijuana, also commonly called K2 or Spice.
“Our children are overdosing. These have now hit our entire state, and I just want to point out to you the marketing,” Bondi said at a news conference. She pointed to a packet labeled “cotton candy.” Another was branded “Scooby Snacks.”
“These are marketed to children,” she said.
Bondi said she will work with the Legislature to add new variations to its existing ban on some formulas used to manufacture the synthetics, making her emergency ban permanent.
While they welcome the new ban, law enforcement officials say it remains a challenge to crack down on their manufacture.
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is already responding to Attorney General Pam Bondi’s emergency rule outlawing 22 additional synthetic drugs.
Shortly following Bondi’s announcement, Alachua County’s crime prevention unit informed convenience stores and head shops, which often carry synthetic drugs, about the new ban, said Art Forgey, the Sheriff Office’s spokesman.
None of the 22 newly illegal drugs were found in stores that the unit visited on Tuesday, December 11, 2012, he said.
The war on drugs is very much alive in Florida and courts continue to be aggressive in pursuing drug charges. A criminal conviction for the manufacture, possession or delivery of a controlled substance can permanently affect every aspect of one’s life. At Edwards & Jones, our drug defense attorneys have represented clients charged with the possession, trafficking, sale, manufacture or intent to distribute illegal substances. We understand the details and nuances of Florida law and how it applies to specific situations.
Before trying to resolve any situation or charge on your own, it is important to speak with a drug crimes lawyer who can explain all of your defense options. To learn more, call us at (352) 329-3632.