SAUGERTIES, N.Y. -- Community members in Saugerties came together to make a push against synthetic drug use.

The town board held a public hearing at the Town Hall Thursday evening about a proposed law that would prohibit the sale and possession of synthetic drugs in Saugerties. These drugs include synthetic marijuana, K2 and Spice. Some of them are sold in convenient stores and local retail shops.

Town officials are concerned about young people in the community becoming ill as a result of drug use.

“There are young people in Saugerties that have overdosed on drugs and this community is really protective of young people and they want to support their growth and a healthy environment for them,” said Town of Saugerties Supervisor Kelly Myers.

"These are very dangerous drugs, much more dangerous than the actual substance itself. In this particular case, organ failure has been one of the prominent side effects," said Town of Saugerties Deputy Police Chief Joseph Sinagra.

If the law is adopted, violations would carry up to a $250 fine for the first offense and up to a $500 fine for the second offense. A third offense could result in up to a year in jail.