Almost 140 Grams of Synthetic Marijuana Reportedly Found at Westville Correctional Facility

Synthetic marijuana and tobacco reportedly found at Westville Correctional Facility Friday (Indiana Department of Correction photo)

Almost 140 grams of synthetic marijuana was reportedly found hidden in the Westville Correctional Facility. The Indiana Department of Correction says Lead Captain Joseph Farley found the contraband in one of the facility’s common areas Friday. A total of 139.9 grams of K2 and 4.7 grams of tobacco were reportedly located.

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LaPorte Woman Accused of Trying to Traffic Synthetic Marijuana into Westville Correctional Facility

A LaPorte woman was arrested Monday, after she allegedly tried to bring suspected synthetic marijuana into the Westville Correctional Facility during visitation. The Indiana Department of Correction says Ashlee Bowman, 27, was taken to the LaPorte County Jail, pending a Level 5 felony charge of trafficking with an offender.

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Marathon Gas Station Cited For Selling Synthetic Marijuana

The Marathon Gas station near the intersection of U.S. 30 and Queen Road in Plymouth was recently raided by the Undercover Narcotics Investigation Team after they learned that the business was selling synthetic marijuana.

On Wednesday, May 9, officers with the investigation team along with officers from the Marshall County Police, State Police, and State Excise Police, executed a search warrant at the gas station and seized multiple packages of synthetic marijuana. The establishment was issued a citation from the Indiana State Excise police, and although no arrests were made, a formal criminal case is being forwarded to the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office.

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Knox City Council Tables Final Reading the Ordinance Banning Sale of Synthetic Marijuana

Knox City Council #2
Back Row: Mayor Rick Chambers, Ed Blue, Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston, Greg Matt and Attorney David Matsey. Front Row: Linda Berndt, Jeff Berg and Ron Parker

At their recent meeting, the Knox City Council members tabled the third and final reading of a synthetic marijuana ordinance. The Mayor suggested the delay because the Federal government is getting involved and the state legislature will be looking at a possible law in the next session. Synthetic marijuana is normally smoked by users and has, in some cases, proven fatal.

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North Judson Town Board Approves First Reading of Synthetic Marijuana Ordinance

North Judson Town Board
North Judson Town Board: (L to R) Dan Anderson, Jane Ellen Felchuk, Wendy Hoppe, Connie Miller (Clerk-Treasurer)

The North Judson Town Board approved the first reading of an ordinance that prohibits the sale of synthetic marijuana within the incorporated town of North Judson. The ordinance mirrors the same guidelines as passed by the Starke County Commissioners. The Knox City Council has approved a similar ordinance on second reading and the final reading will be discussed at its meeting on Tuesday, December 14th.

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Federal Government Looking to Ban Synthetic Marijuana

Dan Bridegroom with Kaboom
Starke County Commissioner Dan Bridegroom inspects synthetic marijuana product

A Lake Station store owner is suing the City over an ordinance banning the selling of synthetic marijuana products. The store owner says under the new ordinance, over the half the items in his store could be considered synthetic marijuana.

The U.S. Government is considering a ban on products that mix herbs and synthetic chemicals that mimic marijuana. Government officials say it appears the products are dangerous.

The Knox City Council and the Starke County Commissioners are in the process of banning these products.

Knox City Council Discusses Synthetic Marijuana Ordinance

Knox City Council final #3The Knox City Council approved the second reading of an ordinance to prohibit the sale and possession of synthetic marijuana in the city limits.

Knox Mayor, Rick Chambers, told the Council that he had some questions for City Attorney, David Matsey, about the enforceability of this ordinance. Matsey was not present at the meeting but Mayor Chambers voiced his concerns to the Council members. Mayor Chambers questioned whether specific tests are available to test the product to ensure it contains the ingredients that classify it as synthetic marijuana. If there is a test available, who is authorized to conduct the test? Do Indiana State Police labs have equipment available to test the product? Jennie Carter from Drug and Tobacco Free Starke County informed the City Council that she will get answers for those questions and have them available by the next City Council meeting. The third and final reading of this ordinance is expected to be made at the Council’s December 14th meeting.