State attorney general speaks about synthetic drugs

Florida State Attorney Pam Bondi speaks during a community meeting about the dangers of synthetic drugs at the Marion County Sheriff's office in Ocala, FL. Bondi and number of community law enforcement spoke about efforts to combat the problems in our area and state.

OCALA Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi addressed members of the community and local law enforcement officials Friday about the dangers of synthetic drugs, which she said are more lethal than cocaine.

Bondi was the guest speaker at the event held at the Marion County Sheriff's Office Multi-Purpose conference room, which was attended by about 200 people. She was introduced by Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn.

Bondi said she has been traveling throughout the state to promote awareness and education about deadly synthetic drugs.

The drugs often are sold as bath salts and synthetic marijuana. The packaging often targets a younger demographic.

To woo young children, teenagers and young adults, Bondi said, the manufacturers use popular characters, like Scooby Doo.

You have to be vigilant, she said.

Bondi said the majority of emergency room trips related to the drugs are made by people between the ages of 12 and 29.

She said the drugs, which come from Asia to the U.S., first surfaced in Florida in the Panhandle area, but quickly spread to other counties.

Bondi said as soon as her office outlaws a component used to manufacture the drugs, making them illegal, the makers just change the formula. Approximately two years ago, she said, there were only about six compounds outlawed. That number is now roughly 100 compounds.

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State attorney general speaks about synthetic drugs