Manchester Police have reported the seizure of more 11 pounds of synthetic marijuana known commonly as spice from a Manchester tattoo parlor. The drugs sold as incense had a retail value of more than $25,000.
The search warrant was executed at two Spider Bite locations two weeks ago as part of a months-long, multi-agency investigation that began well before a spate of overdoses that occurred in the middle of August.
Sgt. Brian O’Keefe says the department kept the seizures close to the chest since the investigation is still ongoing.
“We felt, in light of what’s taken place in the city and the state over the last month, that it was imperative to get it out in the public to let the public know that your law enforcement agencies are working diligently to try to correct this problem.”
No charges have yet been filed against the owner of Spider Bite. The Smacked ‘brand’ of spice responsible for the medical issues last month was not among the spice seized but testing did confirm the presence of banned substances.
State officials are working on a plan to ban the synthetic drugs.