PALESTINE —
Palestine Police officers seized more than 1,600 packets of suspected K-2 and “bath salts” in the execution of a warrant at two local convenience stores on Thursday and issued a warning against other stores who sell the products.
According to reports, the Palestine Police Department had received several complaints regarding the sale of suspected K-2 type substances (products containing synthetic cannibinoids) and “bath salts” (products containing MDPV or Mephedrone).
Police Cpl. Matt Kerr conducted a seven-day investigation, which led to probable cause for search warrants for the premises of both Brianna’s and Mini Mart on Palestine Avenue. The search warrants were served simultaneously at 10:19 a.m. Thursday at the two convenience stores, located in the 300 and 400 blocks of W. Palestine Avenue.
Officers seized more than 1,500 packaged products under approximately 45 different brand names from Brianna’s with a retail value over $32,000. Officers serving the search warrant at Mini-Mart seized over 100 packages with a rough estimated value of $2,000.
“We understand that the majority of these items sold as potpourri have some type of labeling, which advises the public the contents are 100 percent legal in all 50 States,” Palestine Police Department Public Information Officer Lt. Jeff Powell said. “Based on the tests that were run on the products during the investigation, we believe that the products do contain chemicals which are illegal in Texas and could result in criminal prosecution.”
These chemicals fall under the Penalty Group 2 and 2A in the Health and Safety Code. Possession penalties range from a Class B to a 5 to 99 year or life sentence for Possession of 400 or more grams, depending on the chemicals found in each package. Manufacture or delivery penalties range from a State Jail Felony to a 10 to 99 year sentence or life, if the delivery was more than 400 grams.
“We would encourage businesses to cease selling of these questionable products regardless of what express language is found on the packaging or accompanying paperwork,” Lt. Powell said.
The products are not traditional potpourri, and are sold in foil lined packaging with clever and enticing brand names, such as: The Natural, 7H, Voodoo Child, Purple Diesel, Kush, Scooby Snacks, Mad Monkey, Mister Nice Guy, Hydro, Gorilla Dro, Evil Clown or 24K Monkey.
“We have spoken with the District Attorney’s Office and representatives from each store,” Lt. Powell said. “In these two instances, we are withholding the filing of criminal charges until we receive confirmation from the laboratory regarding the contents.
“This may just serve as a stern warning to these and other businesses who may consider selling these types of products,” he added. “However if this or another investigation reveals guilty knowledge of the illegal contents that are being sold, then we will reexamine our stance and most definitely seek prosecution.”
Mary Rainwater may be reached via e-mail at mrainwater@palestineherald.com
Local News
K2, 'salts' seized at 2 stores
Police seize more than 1,600 packets of suspected products
- Local News
-
-
Community invited to welcome back National Guard troops
The community is asked to help welcome back the local National Guard troops, which will be coming by bus to the National Guard Armory in Palestine at about 3 p.m. Wednesday.
-
Texas Area Fund Foundation kicks off new program
The Texas Area Fund Foundation kicked off its newest program — The Action Fund — Thursday evening at an event hosted in the home of Francis and Cad Williams.
-
Police department seeking input from citizens on text alert program
The Palestine Police Department is asking for input from citizens regarding the feasibility of introducing a new communication program call Citizen Observer Tip411, an e-mail and text alert system that would allow for outgoing alerts and information to citizens.
-
Palestine Police participating in national 'Click It or Ticket' campaign
The Palestine Police Department and City Marshal’s Office has announced their participation in the 2013 national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization to help save lives by cracking down on those who don’t buckle up.
-
Anderson County Commissioners OK grant application for sheriff's office
During a special meeting Friday, Anderson County commissioners gave the go-ahead to Sheriff Greg Taylor to apply for a grant that would help fund salaries for two additional drug unit investigators for the department.
-
Triplett concedes in mayor's race
Local businessman Timothy Triplett conceded the election to Palestine mayoral candidate Therrell Thomas Thursday, after asking for a recount following the May 11 election.
-
Salute to the Armed Forces set for May 25
The Texas State Railroad will host its 15th annual Salute to the Armed Forces event at the Palestine Depot on Saturday, May 25. The Memorial Day weekend event has been reinvented this year to return it to its original focus of paying tribute to all branches and all eras of U.S. military service.
-
PWFAA’s annual talent showcase to honor late theater owner
The Piney Woods Fine Arts Association will present the annual Houston County Youth Talent Showcase at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Crockett Civic Center.
-
Fund established for West relief effort
Following a successful garage sale fund-raiser earlier this month to raise money for the community of West, struck by tragedy after a fertilizer plant explosion in April, organizers have set up a bank account fund to raise more money for the effort.
-
County, cities receive May sales tax allocations
Texas Comptroller Susan Combs recently reported that state sales tax revenue in April was $2.15 billion, up 3.9 percent compared to April 2012.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Community invited to welcome back National Guard troops
Probe Begins After Conn. Commuter Trains Crash
NTSB Begins Investigation Into Conn. Train Crash
Lotto Fever Sweeps the Country
Conn. Commuter Trains Collide; 60 Go to Hospital
Coffee Run Leads to Hatchet Hitchhiker Arrest
Fmr. IRS Head Insists No Politics in Targeting
CDC: Fecal Bacteria Common in Swimming Pools
$1 Million in Jewels Stolen at Cannes Film Fest
NM Mom Chases Down Child Abductor
Raw: Crash Sends Car Into Fla. Pool
Raw: Obama Sits Down With Elementary Kids
Raw: Bear Falls From Tampa Tree
Ousted IRS Chief: Errors Not Caused by Politics
Terror Suspect Due in Court in Idaho Friday
Raw: Driver Ejected From Truck, Over Bridge
Could Tobacco Be the Next Biofuel?
Wash. State Releases Draft Rules for Legal Pot
Dying Man's Blinks Lead to Murder Conviction
Officials: Texas Tornado Likely Had 200 Mph Wind
Brothers Arrested in NOLA Parade Shooting
