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The rush is on to inform convenience store and head shop owners that synthetic drugs known as “bath salts” are now illegal. Yesterday, Florida’s attorney general issued an emergency order outlawing the drugs that have been compared to PCP and cocaine. As Whitney Ray tells us, law enforcement officers are offering a short amnesty period to anyone willing to turn over the drugs.

At the beginning of the week anyone could walk into some Florida convenience stores and head shops, buy one of these products, and get high. Wednesday, sighting dangerous side affects associated with the drugs known as “bath salts” Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a temporary ban.

“It makes you think you are seeing monsters and it makes you think that you can fly,” said Bondi.

Thursday Bondi warned store owners, she means business.

“I read in the paper today that one business said they’re not going to enforce it, well yes they are. So, we’re going to get it off their shelves for them,” said Bondi.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement is working with representatives from the retail federation and convenience stores to spread the word. They’re also extending an olive branch to anyone willing to turn the products over to law enforcement.

“Contact local law enforcement, make them aware that you just found out this is a controlled substance and surrender it to law enforcement. It will be destroyed and no arrest will be made,” said Tucker

The ban is in effect for 90 days, but lawmakers are determined to come up with a permanent fix.

“Thank goodness that the 90 day window that we are in right now will basically cover the entire legislative session so we can get something done to take this off the shelves,” said Patronis.

The products are being shipped in from overseas, making it difficult for the state to go after the manufactures, which may prompt action from Congress. While synthetic PCP and cocaine products are outlawed it’s still legal to buy synthetic marijuana products for now. But legislation is in the works to stop the sale of those drugs as well.