Since January 2007, reports have emerged across the country about a dangerous new trend: candy-flavored meth. According to law enforcement officers and drug treatment officials, methamphetamine and other illegal drugs are being colored, packaged and flavored in ways designed to attract children and minors.

Candy-flavored meth - with child-friendly names like Strawberry Quick - is designed to get youngsters to try it a few times. It's all about hooking young people early, and we have to stop this illicit practice in its tracks before it grows any further.

That's why I introduced legislation in April to increase the federal criminal penalties for drug dealers who entice children with candy-flavored methamphetamine and other flavored drugs.

This legislation will increase the criminal penalties for anyone who markets candy-flavored drugs to our youth - by imposing on them the same increased penalties applied to the dealers who distribute drugs to minors. If passed, this legislation will give dealers a reason to think twice before marketing illegal drugs to target our children.

In San Francisco, police report that since the beginning of the year they have been arresting teens in possession of meth designed to taste like chocolate. The Haight-Asbury clinic also confirms that chocolate-flavored methamphetamine is being used on the streets. And the Drug Enforcement Administration reports that candy meth has already spread to California, Nevada, Washington, Idaho, Texas, New Mexico, Missouri and Minnesota.

So, I've also asked the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and the Advertising Council to consider developing public service campaigns to increase awareness about the disturbing new trend of drug dealers marketing candy-flavored meth to children.

Parents must be warned of this threat and take action to prevent their children from getting lured in by this new, candy-flavored drug.

Source: California Senator Dianne Feinstein.