Drug task force raids convenience stores

The Jackson County Drug Task Force raided two convenience stores in Marianna and charged six people in connection with the alleged sale of synthetic marijuana at the two locations.

According to a news release from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, reports have been coming in for several months that synthetic marijuana was available, and that there was at least one reported instance of someone needing medical treatment after smoking it.

On Monday, the drug task force concluded an investigation into the sale of products called Herbal Incense and Potpourri at two gas stations. In both cases, the products were being sold from behind the counter and only to persons over the age of 18, according to the news release.

The release also noted that the labels often indicated they had been laboratory-tested and that the substances were legal. However, lab tests on the products conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement found they contained multiple illegal substances. The lab tests determined they were forms of synthetic marijuana and also contained illegal ingredients found in “bath salts,” sometimes referred to as synthetic methamphetamine.

According to the news release, the items were selling for $16 for one and a half grams, and $50 for 10 grams.

The drug task force executed search warrants Monday at Chipola Mart, at the intersection of Lafayette Street and Milton Avenue, and the Mobil Food Mart at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Kelson Avenue. The search warrants were the result of “multiple purchases of synthetic marijuana and drug paraphernalia” from both locations by undercover law enforcement.

At Chipola Mart, more than 252 packets of alleged synthetic marijuana were seized, with a retail value of $7,600. Task force officers also seized more than 100 pipes, capable of being used to smoke synthetic and real marijuana, as well as meth and crack cocaine. In addition, 68 grinders used to prepare marijuana were seized, along with 58 digital scales and thousands of small plastic bags used for packaging.

According to the news release, the owner of Chipola Mart, Dineshkumar Prajapati, as well as two clerks, Mukeshkumar Prajapati and Chaudhari Ghanshyambai, were charged with one count each of distribution of drug paraphernalia. Mukeshkumar Prajapati was also charged with two more counts of distribution of drug paraphernalia; Ghanshyambnai was given and additional charge of distribution of drug paraphernalia, and two counts of sale of a controlled substance.

At Mobil Food Mart, task force officers seized more than 200 packets of alleged synthetic marijuana with a retail value of $5,600. The task force also seized more than 100 pipes, eight grinders and six digital scales.

Three Mobil Ford Mart employees were charged. Faisal Mukhtar faces two counts of sale of a controlled substance, three counts of distribution of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance. Kimberly Louise Winston faces two counts of sale of a controlled substance, and one count each of distribution of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Autumn Leighanne Whaley faces one count each of distribution of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

The news release goes on to note that any person or business, and any employee of any business that takes part in selling any synthetic marijuana marketed as “Herbal Incense” and “Potpourri”, and drug paraphernalia associated with it will be considered in violation of the law.

The release noted the consequences range from arrest with possible prison or probation time, possible fines, and the possibility of the seizure of property and currency.

The Jackson County Drug Task Force is the combined effort of the Cottondale, Graceville, and Marianna police departments, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.