New regulations approved by the state Department of Health will outlaw bath salts and synthetic drugs, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office announced this morning.

“Bath salts and other synthetic drugs pose a direct, serious threat to public health and safety, and we must do everything we can to remove these harmful substances from sale and distribution in New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “The actions we are announcing today attack the problem by helping our law enforcement officers enforce the rules, expanding the list of banned substances used to manufacture bath salts, and imposing tougher penalties so those who sell these drugs are held accountable.”

Cuomo just wrapped up a news conference on the issue in Buffalo this morning.

The crackdown comes after both state lawmakers and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman sought a variety of solutions to the issue.

Schneiderman has filed 13 lawsuits against 24 stores across the state that sell mislabeled drugs and has conducted undercover investigations of head shops that sell designer drugs.

The regulations issued today by the DOH and approved by the Public Health and Health Planning Council broadens the current list of illegal drugs and chemicals to dozens of substances that are used as ingredients in designer or synthetic drugs.

The new rules also increase criminal penalties for those who don’t follow the regulations.

Violators face fines up to $500 and up to 15 days in jail.

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