14 Nabbed in Florida Synthetic Marijuana Sting

More than a dozen Hillsborough County convenience store owners and merchants are behind bars after a major drug bust uncovered the illegal sale of synthetic marijuana and other dangerous substances. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office confirmed that deputies and detectives simultaneously raided seven locations as part of a month-long investigation targeting stores in the university area.

A trip to the local gas station or convenience store once meant buying a drink, a snack, or lottery tickets. But investigators discovered that some stores were quietly stocking their shelves with illegal products like synthetic marijuana, THC concentrates, and psychedelic mushrooms. What looked like ordinary merchandise turned out to be a front for powerful and potentially deadly drugs.

Authorities say 14 people were arrested in the coordinated operation. Detectives found that behind the counters of these seven convenience stores, illegal drugs including synthetic marijuana, sativa resin, and other Schedule 1 substances were being sold to unsuspecting customers. Sheriff's deputies also seized more than $40,000 in cash during the raids.

Dr. Steven Goldberg, Chief Medical Officer at HealthTrack RX, explained that synthetic marijuana, also known as "spice," is not derived from the cannabis plant but is a chemical compound designed to mimic its effects. While it binds to the same receptors in the brain as traditional marijuana, synthetic marijuana can be up to 100 times more potent, leading to severe side effects such as hallucinations, psychosis, chest pain, and even respiratory distress.

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