Police Confiscate Synthetic Pot at Gas Station

A special unit of the Toms River Police is targeting synthetic marijuana, and uncovered the sale of the drug at a local gas service station Tuesday afternoon.

Chief Michael Mastronardy said synthetic marijuana products were allegedly being sold by a staffer and owner of the Exxon station at Fischer Boulevard and Bay Avenue.

The Toms River Police Special Enforcement Team executed a search warrant at the Exxon Station after a month long investigation, headed by Officer Patrick Jacques, said the police chief.

"This is the third warrant executed by the special enforcement team of local businesses that sell these products," Mastronardy said.

Toms River Police seized "numerous" packages of these products and cash from the business this afternoon, he said.

Employee Saleem Khan, 53, of Coolidge Avenue was arrested and charged with  distribution of synthetic marijuana. The owner, Arsalan Ahmed, 40, of Edison has been charged with possession of and distribution of synthetic marijuana. Bail has not been set at this time, Mastronardy said.

Use of syntethic marijuana is a growing problem, Mastronardy said.

Police have investigated numerous incidents were these products have been involved with people becoming ill as well as a recent motor vehicle accident were an individual was under the influence of synthetic marijuana purchased in Toms River, said the police chief. These ingredients are purchased for about $10 and the finished drug sells for $20 for a packet.

Anyone with information can contact Sergeant Shaun O’Keefe at the Special Enforcement Team at 732-349-0150 ext 1272.