AZ Escalates Battle Against Synthetic Drug Market

Clever makers keep cops and legislators guessing

TUCSON—Tucson police were busy visiting local merchants known to sell synthetic drugs to let them know about new rules signed into law.

House Bill 2327 took effect April 3rd.

It bans synthetic drugs by adding related chemicals to an existing law enforcement list of dangerous drugs.

The addition closes a loophole that previously allowed drug makers to sell the products in stores.

The Poison Control Center said these synthetic drugs are very difficult to keep track of.

Mazda Shirazi, medical director of Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center said these products here are synthetic drugs.

Dr. Shirazi said some of the potpourri or spice sold in stores or on the street could contain synthetic drugs and other not, but it's difficult to know.