DALTON, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Dalton police said they have seized a new and dangerous form of synthetic marijuana that is designed to be consumed using vapor pens.
During a raid of a tobacco shop and another location in Dalton this week, investigators seized over 30 pounds of synthetic marijuana with an estimated street value of $150,000.
The seizure included small bottles containing a liquid form of synthetic cannabinoid, a packaging of the drug that they had not previously seen.
"This is cutting edge stuff. This is another thing to be on the lookout for," said Dalton police spokesman Bruce Frazier.
The product seized, "Cloud Nine," is sold as incense. But police said it is designed to be consumed in vaporizing pens, which make a near odorless vapor.
"If you were a parent or an employer, you wouldn't know someone is smoking this stuff," Frazier said.
Police said they believe the drug is being sold under the counter in other locations across the state, including the metro Atlanta area.
"This stuff can be a lot more potent, because you put more of it, too much, and get a significant dose through a vapor pen," Frazier said.
Channel 2's Tom Regan spoke with local parents about the new liquid drug and the risk to young people.
"For them to be able to do it, undetected and probably in plain sight of their parents is the scariest part," said parent Leslie Simmons.
Dalton police arrested the store owner on drug charges and expect to make additional arrests.