COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Ohio's attorney general says investigators have targeted the alleged sale of synthetic drugs and businesses in three counties through search warrants and lawsuits.

Attorney General Mike DeWine says police found synthetic marijuana, sometimes called herbal essence, being sold in stores in Clark, Guernsey and Montgomery counties.

DeWine said Friday that in addition to search warrants issued at the stores and their owners' homes, his office's Consumer Protection division has sued the three businesses allegedly selling the drugs.

DeWine announced a crackdown on synthetic drugs last year, saying he would warn stores about criminal charges and civil lawsuits they could face for any involvement in making or distributing such drugs.

DeWine's office is also training police officers statewide to help them identify and handle synthetic drug cases.