Bipartisan Senate bill targets candy-flavored drugs

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WPVI) -- Some lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are pushing for stronger penalties against criminals who sell candy-flavored drugs marketed toward kids.

Republican Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley and California Democrat Dianne Feinstein Tuesday re-introduced the Saving Kids from Candy-Flavored Drugs Act.

It would increase the criminal penalties for marketing candy-flavored drugs to appeal to children.

Law enforcement reports drug dealers frequently combine drugs with chocolate or fruit flavors, or package the drugs to look like candy or soda to attract youth.

There are reports of candy bracelets containing Ecstasy, Gummy Bears laced with Xanax, and candy laced with THC.

"Cynical criminals take advantage of drug trends in the general population to market dangerous illicit drugs, specifically to kids.

"It could be marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine or something else. The criminals are innovative, and the law should keep up with them. Federal law should make crystal clear that marketing potentially lethal drugs to kids will have steep consequences," Grassley said.