U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson spent time with southeast Missouri law enforcement Monday morning discussing synthetic drugs.  Bath salts and other manufactured drugs are a growing epidemic and in most cases are legal to buy in Missouri.  Emerson discussed the issue officers are facing and gathered ideas on ways to control the problem.  Emerson tells KZIM-KSIM one hurdle is the availability and variety of the substances. She hopes to fight this at a federal level and create a ban on all synthetic drugs.  In the last month reports of people under the influence committing crimes have been reported.  Emerson encourages everyone to become educated on this issue and aware of the products in their area.