Convenient Grocer Goes on After Synthetic Drug Bust

A local convenience store that police said was selling synthetic marijuana to teenagers continues to operate as usual.

Exeter police last week announced they seized more than $2,500 worth of synthetic marijuana from the Convenient Grocer store at 201 Front St.

Store owners Mark and Kimberly Scott have not been charged with any crimes – though police said that remains a possibility. The couple could not be reached for comment. No one answered the phone at the store Tuesday.

Police said the pair made an "astonishing" profit selling hundreds of jars of synthetic marijuana labeled “Aloha,” Skunk,” and “Peak Extreme" to students. Police said some of it contains an active chemical named AM-2201, which was recently added to a list of banned substances in New Hampshire. Police called the chemical "dangerous" and said it can cause everything from hallucinations to seizures.

Police said they began an investigation after officers learned Exeter High School students were purchasing and using the synthetic drugs. They said they also responded to a situation where a 20-year-old had a "bad reaction" and needed medical attention after using synthetic drugs bought at the store.

Police said they warned the Scotts in December 2011 that the stuff they were selling could be dangerous. Police said the couple has refused to cooperate with them.

In a statement, police said:

Parents need to be aware of these types of products that are openly marketed to attract youthful customers and sold in neighborhood stores. These drugs are dangerous and unfortunately readily available to young people by a simple over the counter purchase.