MINE arrests two in convenience store drug busts

Drug enforcement agents have arrested employees at two Jasper County convenience stores for selling synthetic cannabis at their business.

Jaswant Singh of Petro Stop in Newton and Jarnail Manhani of the Kellogg Country Store in Kellogg have been arrested and transported to Jasper County Jail according to a press release issued Friday from the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement group (MINE).

Following numerous complaints about sales of "K2 spice" at the above locations, undercover officers successfully purchased synthetic cannabinoids on three separate occasions from each of the stores. MINE then executed a search warrant at both Petro Stop and Kellogg Country Store. Authorities found more than 2,700 grams of synthetic cannabinoids at Petro Stop and more than 130 grams of the substance at Kellogg Country Store, as well as drug paraphernalia and U.S. currency at both locations.

Both Singh and Manhani are charged with three counts each of Delivery of a synthetic cannabinoid, Possession with intent to deliver a synthetic cannabinoid and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Synthetic cannabis is often marketed as an "herbal incense" and sold as such, but the product typically is smoked by the user. MINE noted that synthetic cannabinoids continue to be a problem in the area and ask for citizen's help in minimizing the problem. Contact the task force at 792-7474 if you have any information about K2 spice sales or other such products.