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A state lawmaker plans to introduce legislation that would ban compounds used to make synthetic cocaine.
Republican Sen. Kevin Meyer of Anchorage says the drugs are making people sick "suicidal and very, very violent." His office says his plans are in conjunction with those of Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan, who has proposed criminalizing the compounds in Alaska's largest city.
Meyer's office says the compounds mephedrone and MDPV produce a high similar to methamphetamine and cocaine. Symptoms include paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, suicidal behavior and violence, and Meyer's office says use of the drugs can also cause chest pains and increase blood pressure.
Meyer's office says the compounds have been banned in several states.
Alaska's Legislature earlier this year approved a ban on synthetic cannabinoids.