DC mayor to sign emergency legislation on synthetic drugs

Emergency legislation that targets businesses selling synthetic drugs will soon be signed into law in D.C.

Mayor Muriel Bowser will sign the measure Friday at noon.

D.C. has suffered from a dangerous spike in synthetic drug overdoses, which FOX 5 has reported since early June. Police have said some crimes have been linked to the drugs, which are illegal in D.C.

Synthetic drugs have been found for sale at liquor stores and gas stations, among other retail establishments. They are packaged under the brand names K2, Scooby Snax, Bizarro and Spice.

The new law gives authorities the power to fine and temporarily shut down businesses caught selling synthetic drugs.