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Attorney general issues cease-and-desist orders against synthetic drug sellerNov 16, 2012 (The Bismarck Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- The North Dakota Attorney General's Office has issued another order to stop a business from selling synthetic drug alternatives. Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem announced Thursday that cease-and-desist orders were served at two Minot Hemp Horizonz locations and its owner, Joseph Skorick. The orders ban them from selling synthetic substances. Stenehjem's office served a similar order on Mandan's Big Willies ATP on Wednesday. The orders allege the shops are violating consumer fraud laws and the North Dakota Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act by not listing ingredients, manufacturers or distributors. The packages contain labels that say "not for human consumption," but Stenehjem said no other use for the products is known. Law enforcement officers said they conducted an undercover operation at Hemp Horizonz on Wednesday, during which employees of the store sold multiple packages of synthetic street drug alternatives and told the customers the products "tasted good." Stenehjem said his office will continue to investigate other possible sellers of the products and will file orders against known sellers. His office has received tips about more of them. "I will continue my investigations for as long as these dangerous drugs are being sold anywhere in this state," he said. Stenehjem told the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy on Thursday that his office has received an "astounding" number of calls and emails thanking him for taking action against synthetic drug sellers. Stenehjem encouraged anyone with information about ongoing sales of synthetic products to call the Bureau of Criminal Investigations tip line at 800-472-2185. ___ (c)2012 The Bismarck Tribune (Bismarck, N.D.) Visit The Bismarck Tribune (Bismarck, N.D.) at www.bismarcktribune.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |