Baton Rouge-Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) Commissioner Troy Hebert has issued an emergency suspension on a Gonzales convenience store for selling synthetic marijuana. ATC agents and Gonzales Police Department conducted an undercover sting operation at Cajun Food Mart that resulted in seizing 281 packs of synthetic marijuana.

Bebo, LLC doing business as Cajun Food Mart located at 212 North Burnside Avenue in Gonzales was charged with the illegal sale of synthetic marijuana. Due to several complaints from concerned citizens, Commissioner Hebert and Chief Sherman Jackson of the Gonzales Police Department joined forces to combat the sale of this dangerous illegal substance.

ATC agents conducted a surveillance operation and initiated several undercover purchases over a period of three weeks.

Through the undercover investigations, agents were able to purchase synthetic marijuana from Cajun Food Mart owned by Bo Lee Nugyen and Hien Tran. The seized product was sent for a toxicology screening through the Louisiana State Police certified laboratory. It was confirmed the product was an illegal form of synthetic marijuana.

“ATC has been dealing with a lot of synthetic marijuana cases, but this has been one of the larger ones,” Commissioner Hebert stated.

ATC takes immediate enforcement action against licensed businesses found possessing or selling any substance that tests positive for banned or illegal substances. These businesses face fines of up to $500 for each pack of the illegal substance found plus suspension, and permanent revocation of their alcohol and tobacco permits.

The Commissioner has called a special hearing on Monday, Aug. 27, at 11 a.m. with the owners.

Cajun Food Mart is facing a possible $140,500 fine, suspension and revocation.