180 Pounds of Synthetic Pot Seized From Bradenton Convenience Stores

Authorities seized nearly 180 pounds of synthetic marijuana from two Bradenton convenience stores Thursday, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators executed search warrants at two Shell gas stations, at 5303 14th St. W. and 5704 14th St. W., both owned by the same person.

Undercover officers had previously purchased the synthetic drug, commonly known as spice or K2, at both locations, the sheriff's office said.

Detectives took more than 5,500 packages of synthetic marijuana, weighing 179 pounds and with a retail value of about $65,500, from the two businesses. They also seized several computers and documents relating to the sale of the drug.

No arrests have yet been made, the sheriff's office said. The investigation is ongoing.

The sheriff's office has sent out three letters to businesses since 2010 outlining the laws regarding the sale of synthetic marijuana. Various forms of the synthetic drugs have been banned by the Florida Attorney General's Office in recent years.

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