These photos are from the seminar at the South County Library on Thursday (click here to view with captions). Panelists included Lt. M. L. Williams of the Roanoke County Police Department, addiction psychiatrist Dr. William S. Rae and Carilion Clinic emergency physician Dr. John Burton. Judge Philip Trompeter also looked in on the session.

From the Roanoke Times:

When the synthetic drug industry seeped into the Roanoke Valley, it took root silently. Then it flourished, and all virtually unnoticed, Roanoke Police Chief Chris Perkins said Thursday.

“When this hit and we started talking about it, it was like a tidal wave,” Perkins said. “We’re only now realizing there may have been a significant impact on crime in this area because of this issue.”

Chase Purdy and Jarondakie Patrick have more on this story.