2 stores get busted in sting operation

WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A sting operation uncovered synthetic marijuana and drug paraphernalia being sold at convenience stores in Westfield.

Technically there's no law prohibiting synthetic marijuana in Massachusetts, but Westfield police found a way to take the fake drugs off store shelves.

"I felt it was pretty bad. I mean it shouldn't be happening," said Alvin Richmond of Westfield.

Westfield police have received complaints from parents last fall that stores were selling synthetic marijuana and drug paraphernalia

Police caught two stores selling synthetic marijuana and drug paraphernalia in a sting operation. Now these stores face criminal charges.

The synthetic marijuana that was taken from the  Quick Mart and the S and S Mart were sent to a state lab. No illegal substances were found.

"It's chemically altered. It doesn't fall under the statue. The law catches up to it compounds are moved around or reconfigured so it can become legal. There's no law against it," said Sgt. Steve Dickinson of the Westfield Police Department.

But police plan to charge the convenience store owners with a crime against public health. That means selling a substance that has the property of releasing toxic vapors and selling a substance that can cause injury.

Now Westfield Police Department is working with the board Health to come up with a specific ordinance targeting synthetic drugs.

"It's very distributing. We really need to do something about it. We need to address it in the school work on getting kids, teachers and parents involved," said Barbara Taylor of Westfield.

Both stores are still open.  If the store owners are charged they can be fined up to $200 or go to prison for six months or get both.