Cops Seize 2,000 Bags of Fake Pot
Synthetic marijuana was outlawed in Connecticut last year.
Tuesday, Sep 25, 2012 | Updated 7:40 PM EDT
NBC Connecticut
Police in Willimantic seized more than 2,000 bags of illegal synthetic marijuana Tuesday.
Police seized more than 2,000 bags of synthetic marijuana from two businesses in Willimantic Tuesday.
The businesses were openly selling the fake pot, in violation of a law enacted more than a year ago, according to Willimantic police.
"Eight to 10 weeks ago, we received a complaint from a parent whose child had become addicted to this substance and became psychotic," said Capt. Cliff Spinner.
The synthetic marijuana is usually marketed under brand names such as K2, Genie and Spice, and is often marked as incense. It can produce effects similar to marijuana and has been linked to side effects like increased heart rate and blood pressure, vomiting, tremors, seizures and extreme anxiety.
According to police, the fake pot seized Tuesday was packaged to attract children, with names like "Scooby Snax", "OMG", "WTF", "Mad Hatter", to name a few.
The value of the synthetic marijuana is estimated between $25,000 and $30,000.
Anyone with information on stores selling synthetic marijuana is asked to call Willimantic Police at 860-465-3135.
