Madison included in nationwide raids targeting synthetic drugs - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

MADISON (WKOW) -- The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency raided shops and sellers in more than 100 cities, including Madison, targeting distributors of synthetic drugs.

Agents arrested 91 people and seized more than $36 million in cash.

The designer drugs are often marketed as bath salts or products with names like K2 and Spice. Officials say the drugs mimic the effects of cocaine and methamphetamine.

The DEA says the substances can be found at smoke shops, convenience stores and gas stations. They're often disguised innocently and sold in wrappers with cartoon characters.

"Sold in legitimate looking packaging, these insidious substances are marketed directly to teenagers and to young adults with benign and catchy titles," said DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart.

The DEA says agents took about five million packets of the drugs off the streets.

Earlier this month, President Obama signed into law a measure that bans many of the chemicals found in these synthetic drugs.