RINCON, GA (WTOC) -
Effingham County sheriff's deputies carried out a search warrant at the Quest Quik Stop gas station on Highway 21 in Rincon.
The search stemmed from a longterm spice investigation by the Effingham County Sheriff's Office Drug Suppression Team.
Pratikkumar Patel, 25, of Pooler, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, sale of controlled substance, and possession of drug-related objects.
The investigation started several weeks ago after the team got a tip that the gas station was selling spice and devices to smoke it, according to the sheriff's office. Agents bought spice and pipes from the store during the investigation.
Spice, K2 and other types of synthetic marijuana are now a schedule one controlled substance in Georgia.
The chemicals that make up these substances are highly potent and the strength and content can vary greatly, according to the sheriff's office. They affect behavior, judgment and health and can cause serious harm.
The substance usage has been linked to reports of car crashes, self-mutilations, suicides and homicides, according to the sheriff's office.
"The Effingham County Sheriff's Office will continue a proactive approach in eradicating this dangerous drug from our community ," said Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie in a statement.
The Rincon Police Dept. participated in Tuesday's search operation.
Patel is being held at the Effingham County Jail.
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Pratikkumar Patel (Source: Effingham Co. Sheriff's Office)
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