Canton Texaco Busted For Selling Synthetic Marijuana

A Canton business has become the latest target for law enforcement officials cracking down on the possession and sell of synthetic drugs in Cherokee County. 

Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad, or CMANS, agents on Wednesday arrested and charged Karim Kabiroodin Damani, 37, owner of the Texaco at 101 RiverStone Parkway, and employee Jesus Ortiz Cisneros, 31, with possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule I controlled substance.

Damani, who lives in Marietta, and Cisneros, who resides in Canton, were both released from the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center on a $11,200 bond, said Cherokee Sheriff's Office Spokesperson Lt. Jay Baker. 

Agents with the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad launched their investigation into the store after they received complaints that the business was "selling the illegal substances," according to a press release.

Their investigation led to the agents obtaining a search warrant, and CMANS agents discovered 22 packages of synthetic marijuana in the store. The street value of the drugs is believed to be between $600 and $1,100. 

Schedule I drugs are substances which have no medical value, but do post a health risk to those who consume them.

"CMANS and its member agencies, have committed to do whatever is possible, within the law, to keep these dangerous products out of the hands of children and teenagers in our community," said CMANS Commander Phil Price. "The sale of these substances is highly lucrative, and it is tempting for business to get involved in this illegal activity. But, the health and lives of our children are too precious to be placed at risk for a little financial benefit."

The bust at Texaco is the latest business in Cherokee County to have been targeted with the suspicion of selling synthetic marijuana. In June 2012, agents seized from various Cherokee County stores.

In August, Smoke 911 in Woodstock was one of four shops in metro Atlanta that were searched for bath salts and an employee at the store was arrested in October for selling synthetic drugs.

A bill signed into law in March 2012 by Gov. Nathan Deal made all forms of synthetic marijuana and other substances known as bath salts illegal to possess or sell in the state of Georgia. 

CMANS is made up of various law enforcement agencies in the county, including the sheriff's office, Canton Police Department, Woodstock Police Department, the Holly Springs Police Department, Ball Ground Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office for the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, the Cherokee County School District Police, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia State Patrol. 

Citizens may call in tips anonymously to (770) 345-7920, or may speak to an agent by calling (770) 704-2350.