Sale of synthetic drugs to be a Minn. felony
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota's fight to combat designer drugs meant to mimic marijuana and other controlled substances is stepping up a notch with a new law making their sale a felony.
State leaders and law enforcement officials highlighted the tougher penalties Thursday. They touted a law that takes effect Aug. 1.
It stiffens penalties for selling so-called synthetic drugs by making it a penalty that could carry a five-year prison term. Current law limits prosecutors from charging more than a gross misdemeanor.
The law also gives the state Pharmacy Board power to speed through new rules to keep up with the fast-changing formulas that the drug peddlers often use to evade existing laws.
Just this week, Duluth police and federal authorities raided a head shop known for selling synthetic drugs.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
