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Website Is Newest Tool Against Synthetic Drugs

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota's latest tool in the fight against synthetic drugs is a website aimed at giving children and parents more information about the dangers posed by the drugs.

The site launched Wednesday, knowthedangers.com, includes photos of synthetic drugs, packaging and paraphernalia that can be used to help identify them. It also includes a rundown of symptoms that can result from using synthetics, which have been blamed for several deaths in Minnesota and elsewhere.

The state Department of Human Services said the site is designed to work well on smartphones and tablets. DHS officials unveiled the site in Duluth, home to a pair of legislators who worked to strengthen state law on synthetics as the city struggled to shut down a store that sold them.

A new law that took effect last week broadens the definition of synthetics and gives the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy power to go after businesses that sell synthetics containing a banned substance.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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