The state attorney general announced Tuesday he has filed lawsuits against a Watertown “head shop” and 15 other similar businesses statewide over the alleged sales of synthetic drugs.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman included Trip on the Wild Side II, 671 Mill St., in a statewide action designed to crack down on stores that are allegedly violating state label laws by selling designer drugs, including commonly known synthetics such as “bath salts” and “synthetic marijuana.”

In a prepared statement, Mr. Schneiderman said the sale of the drugs has led to a “public health crisis” across the state and country. With psychoactive effects similar to those in substances obtained for illegal drug use, the products are typically packaged with innocuous names and bright graphics to give the misleading impression that their use is harmless, Mr. Schneiderman said.

In his statement, Mr. Schneiderman cited a June 7 incident in which a Watertown man crashed his vehicle into six parked vehicles at Olive Garden on outer Arsenal while allegedly under the influence of “Spice” and two other medications.

His legal action, which has been filed in 12 counties, seeks an immediate end to the sale of any mislabeled drugs. It is also seeking additional information about the types of products that are sold.

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