Santa Rosa County deputies serve warrants for Spice

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WALA) - Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Deputies were out Friday for the final step in an undercover operation to bust local stores for selling synthetic marijuana, often called Spice.

On a normal day, the convenience stores in Santa Rosa County would be busy serving customers. But Friday, they were shut down while deputies carried out search warrants, looking for Spice.

“It’s a rampant problem; people using synthetic marijuana. It says right on the package not for human consumption. It can kill people,” said Sergeant Scott Haines with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities began the operation months ago with undercover deputies visiting stores and buying the suspected Spice.

The substance was then sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for testing. Deputies then narrowed down their search to three stores in Santa Rosa County suspected of selling it.

“We hit those establishments. We went in there and seized their products as well as any type of drug paraphernalia that they had,” Haines said.

Authorities said they netted thousands of dollars worth of synthetic marijuana in just the three stores.

Sergeant Scott Haines said often people don’t realize the true dangers of the substance.

“It doesn't mimic marijuana. It’s much more dangerous. They don’t know what they’re taking, and they can overdose, die or have hallucinations," said Haines, "You have people making this stuff, if not in third world countries, they’re making it in plastic swimming pools in their backyard or garage. They just mix things together and spray it with chemicals,"

Haines said the makers often alter the product to try to get around the law. He said deputies just hope store owners will do the right thing.

“There are a lot of responsible business owners who refuse to sell it, whether it’s legal or illegal. That’s what we want. We want people to take a stand and say we’re not going to sell this,” Haines said.

Santa Rosa County Deputies said they believe charges will be pending for the businesses involved.

Authorities said if you have any information regarding stores selling the product, contact your local law enforcement.