Troopers Seize Synthetic Marijuana Across the State
An operation across Upstate New York, led by the State Police, found synthetic marijuana being sold at various locations, from Rochester to Niagara Falls to Port Jervis.
Five of the nine commercial establishments searched by troopers and other law enforcement agencies were in the Rochester area.
Troopers searched:
- Jamaica Junction – 15 Front Street, Port Jervis, NY
- Dewey Avenue Smoke Shop – 1405 Dewey Avenue, Rochester, NY
- Elab Smokers Boutique - 719 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY
- Elab Smokers Boutique – 4373 Lake Avenue, Rochester, NY
- Illusions Smoke Shop – 2854 Dewey Avenue, Greece, NY
- Dazed and Confused Tobacco – 1308 Buffalo Road, Gates, NY
- Alchemy Gift Shop – 6910 Buffalo Road, Niagara Falls, NY
- Zonen Ltd. – 6697 Old Collamer Road, East Syracuse, NY
- Hightops Sneakers & Smoking Accessory – 193 State Street, Auburn, NY
The search revealed more than 11,000 packages of synthetic cannabinoids, which are a mixture of chemicals intended to mimic the effects of marijuana. The risks associated with the drug include agitation, nausea, seizures and hallucinations.
Last August, the state department of health made it a violation to possess or sell synthetic marijuana.
Four people in all were arrested across the state.
Because of the amount of product seized at some of the searched locations, the Drug Enforcement Administration may seek federal prosecution.