Drug dealers are marketing flavored varieties of methamphetamine in at least eight states, USA Today reported March 26.

Meth mixed with strawberry, chocolate, cola and other flavors has appeared in California, Nevada, Washington, Idaho, Texas, New Mexico, Missouri, and Minnesota, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). "Drug traffickers are trying to lure in new customers, no matter what their age, by making the meth seem less dangerous," said DEA spokesman Steve Robertson.

Experts say that it's not unusual for meth dealers to color or name their product to increase brand visibility. One version of flavored meth has been dubbed "Strawberry Quick," the Nevada Department of Public Safety noted.

"Strawberry Quick is popular among new users who snort it because the flavoring can cut down on the taste. Teenagers who have been taught meth is bad may see this flavored version as less harmful. 'Strawberry Quick' is designed for the younger crowd," the Nevada agency warned recently.

Deputy U.S. drug czar Scott Burns sees flavored meth as a sign that dealers are having a harder time selling the drug; use of first-time meth users fell in 2005. "The traffickers know the word is out about what a horrible drug this is," Burns said. "They are having a tough time selling this product, especially to young people. What do people in marketing do when they have a tough time selling a product? They have to come up with some sort of gimmick."