Broward County bans sale of synthetic drugs

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The Broward County Commission has banned stores from selling or advertising synthetic drugs.

Commissioner approved the ordinance Tuesday. Officials in Palm Beach County will consider a similar law next week.

The South Florida SunSentinel (http://sunsent.nl/RAmKRL ) reports the law is a code violation rather than a criminal offence. Offenders could be fined $500 and/or 60 days in jail. The ban is countywide, but in cities that have adopted stricter laws, those laws will prevail.

Sheriff Al Lamberti says his deputies will warn shopkeepers. He's says they want voluntary compliance

Snthetic marijuana, herbal incense and bath salts mimic actual drugs. They've been sold over the counter in gas stations and convenience stores. Officials say the drugs can cause severe side effects.

Miami-Dade County has a ban in place.

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Information from: South Florida Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), http://www.sun sentinel.com