Police seize synthetic marijuana, cash from Colfax convenience store | News

DENVER – Denver Police have seized thousands of dollars worth of synthetic marijuana, also known as “Spice,” from a convenience store at 2405 East Colfax -roughly a block from East High School- police said.

Maher Awad, the owner of SunMart, and Abdelilah Dehry, a store clerk face charges of distribution and sale of synthetic Cannabinoids.

Police raided SunMart Wednesday after a month-long investigation, according to DPD spokesman Sonny Jackson.

“During the search of the property, Detectives seized approximately 6,400 grams (or 12 pounds) of synthetic marijuana (aka “Spice”),” Jackson said.  “In addition, officers seized $36,216.50 in US Currency believed to be directly derived from the illegal sale of synthetic cannabinoids.”

Jackson said police documented items of suspected drug paraphernalia including digital scales, rolling papers and hundreds of varying glass pipes which are used to smoke marijuana, crack cocaine and methamphetamine.

FOX31 Denver spoke with several East High School students who said the store’s reputation is no secret.

“They sell pipes and stuff, and they sell stuff that kind of looks like weed, but I didn’t know what it was exactly,” said Chloe Bernard.

But some students say the clerks were strict, and they’re surprised to hear the allegations.

“If you do try to buy something like that or anything, they always ask for your ID, and that’s why I’m really shocked,” said Nesselle Williams.

At least one student who went to Sun Mart every day said this may have changed her mind.

“I don’t think they should be selling to people who are still in school,” Williams said.  “They’re trying to get an education, not trying to be all hype and high when they go to class, that’s not cool.”

Police also found about 100 steroid tablets in the store.  They said one of the suspects quickly told them they were only used for working out.  A DPD chemist described the drugs found in the store as 70-times as potent as marijuana.

Synthetic marijuana was banned in Colorado in 2011.