Police Search Finds Drug Paraphernalia, Closes W.Va. Store

CHARLESTOWN, W.Va. -- South Charleston authorities have shuttered a Spring Hill convenience store after detectives recovered numerous containers of synthetic narcotics and drug paraphernalia during a search.

South Charleston's Street Crime Unit has had the Citgo in the 4800 block of MacCorkle Avenue SW in its sights for about a month, according to Sgt. Fred Beane, and a search warrant was executed on Thursday, May 12, the Daily Mail reported. Beane said they removed over 80 jars of bath salts, containers of K2 and cash from the store.

K2 is the popular brand name of a synthetic marijuana product. Synthetic cocaine and methamphetamine were being marketed under the guise of bath salts. A law banning those substances went into effect April 12.

The store came under investigation after police received a tip that it was selling synthetic narcotics, including K2 and bath salts, as well as drug paraphernalia. The police have also received complaints that the store has been selling tobacco products to underage customers, the news outlet reported.

The city then revoked the store's business license. The Alcohol Beverage Control Administration also has revoked the store's liquor license. The store can't reopen until a hearing is held regarding its business license.