Another Lafayette business has been busted for selling synthetic marijuana, which then led to police uncovering a major manufacturing operation in Franklin.

Capt. John Babin with Lafayette's Metro Narcotics Task Force announced today the March 24 raid of Olabisi Aromas on Johnston Street, where agents reportedly discovered 1,137.5 grams of synthetic marijuana.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff's narcotics agents in Franklin then searched the home of the business owner, Mark Ruffin Sr., where they located "a large synthetic cannabinoids manufacturing operation" and more than $83,000 in cash.

Also arrested was Karine Stielow for distributing Schedule I narcotics.

Although synthetic cannabinoids were upgraded to Schedule I status during last year's legislative session, the state Department of Health and Hospitals issued an emergency ruling last week outlawing additional types of the substance after emergency room visits involving the drug jumped in recent weeks.

Also last week, police recovered more than 20 pounds of the drug in St. Landry Parish.

St. Mary police also uncovered another synthetic cannabis manufacturing operation in Franklin early in March.

 

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