Duluth Residents: Help Us Take On Synthetic Drugs

DULUTH, (AP) - Duluth residents are calling on Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson for help combating synthetic drugs.

More than 100 people packed a public hearing that Swanson and a special legislative committee held in Duluth Friday.

The subject was what to do about what Swanson called "this terrible venom" of synthetic drugs.

A Duluth head shop called Last Place on Earth sells synthetics, and its business has prompted numerous complaints by city leaders, residents and neighboring businesses. The owner of the shop maintains his products are not illegal.

Among those speaking was Dean Baltes, whose business is next door to Last Place on Earth. Baltes told the hearing, "We need some relief."

Others testified about the effects of synthetic drugs.