Task force thanks public after raid

Staff report

WARREN

The TAG Law Enforcement Task Force said the public is to thank for a recent raid of a business accused of selling drugs.

The task force has received numerous anonymous complaints about USA Gas Mart in Warren and the sale of synthetic marijuana and bath salts.

Task-force agents, Warren police and the Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant Friday at the Pine Street business. Agents seized numerous packets of synthetic marijuana and containers of bath salts that were hidden in a cabinet area, according to a news release. They also seized drug paraphernalia and $2,000.

The items will be sent to the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation’s laboratories for testing. Charges against store employees involved in the sale are pending test results on the items seized, the release stated.

During recent months, undercover agents made purchasing attempts but were informed by workers at the business that they stopped selling the items when they were outlawed by state lawmakers in October.

The task force is warning the public to be aware of these drugs. Users of bath salts and synthetic marijuana can exhibit paranoia, lack of sleep, increased heart rate, vomiting, hallucinations or seizures. Death can occur from the use of both substances.

The TAG Law Enforcement Task Force is a multi-county specialty crimes unit that focuses investigations on drug traffickers, firearm traffickers, gangs and homeland security.