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Stepping Up The Fight Against Synthetic Drugs

MACOMB TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WWJ) - Metro Detroit leaders are stepping up the fight against what they see as a growing problem -- the sale of K2 and other synthetic drugs.

While the drugs commonly known as "spice" are legal to sell in Michigan, there's a groundswell of people who want it to become illegal after a spate of crimes tied to the drug. Tucker Cipriano's defense attorney said recently the teen was "hallucinating" on the drug when he allegedly killed his father with a baseball bat during a robbery -- to score money for more drugs. Cipriano's mother and brother were also critically injured; also charged with first degree murder in the crime is Cipriano's pal Mitchell Young.

Officials in Macomb County are not waiting for Lansing to act on a "spice" ban, saying they will start issuing tickets to retailers selling any other synthetic drug as a health hazard violation. The county also plans to recruit the public's eyes and ears to call out retailers who sell it.

The Shelby Township Board, as well as their counterparts in West Bloomfield, are expected to take up ordinances banning the substance, although it can also be purchased online. Learn more about K-2, Spice and other versions of synthetic marijuana HERE.

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