Qld shops raided for synthetic drugs

Queensland police have conducted simultaneous raids across the state for synthetic drugs amid fears children have been able to buy them easily.

Detective Senior Sergeant Geoff Marsh says 19 herbal and sex stores were raided on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Toowoomba, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay and Bowen on Tuesday morning.

Sen-Sgt Marsh says the stores often try to pass off the synthetic drugs, which mimic the effects of illegal drugs like cannabis, as incense or potpourri, but at much higher prices.

"These synthetic drugs are being sold in the centre of Queen Street mall," he said.

"There is no age limit to purchase these; anyone can walk into this store and make purchase of these synthetic drugs.

"We hope we've put a dent in it."

Sen-Sgt Marsh said the drugs were classed as illegal schedule-two drugs, similar to cannabis.

There have already been eight deaths in Queensland directly linked to synthetic drugs.

The raids occurred after a lengthy covert operation in which undercover police visited stores over several months to purchase the drugs, which were in packets labelled "not for human consumption".

Sen-Sgt Marsh said the best way to distinguish drugs from real incense was to compare price.

In one store raided on Tuesday, synthetic drugs sold at $60 for three grams. Real incense was $10 for 10g.

"If you're spending a lot of money for incense, you're buying a dangerous drug," Sen-Sgt Marsh said.

He said charges were likely and raids would continue if necessary.