The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

Friday, March 15, 2013  Residents say synthetic drugs have become a big problem in their middle and high schools.

Monday, January 07, 2013  The East Central Drug Task Force released the quarterly amount of drug seizures.

Friday, July 27, 2012  Six people are arrested and more than 210,000 packets of synthetic drugs were seized in six midwestern states as part of a nationwide crackdown.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012  "Bath salts" ban could curb use of some legal drugs linked to violent behavior, but not all

Thursday, June 28, 2012  Lab tests failed to find 'bath salt' components in man who chewed on other's face

Wednesday, August 31, 2011  Court documents obtained by our Crimetracker Team allege that BoCoMo Bay owner Kevin Bay, 47, sold dozens of baggies of synthetic marijuana.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011  Boone County officials arrested a local merchant found at his home with several hundred thousand dollars and large amounts of substance they say is synthetic cannibinoid.

Sunday, August 28, 2011  New restrictions in Missouri on synthetic substances that can mimic the effects of illegal drugs are now in place.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011  Tuesday the Missouri House gave final approval to a bill outlawing synthetic marijuana and hallucinogenic drugs marketed as "bath salts." The vote sends the measure to Gov. Jay Nixon.

Wednesday, April 06, 2011  AP IMPACT: Synthetic drugs that mimic pot, cocaine, other drugs send thousands to hospitals