Louisiana Office of Alcohol & Tobacco Control ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert ordered four Greater Baton Rouge businesses to immediately cease the sale of alcoholic beverages after learning that they were actively engaged in the illegal distribution of synthetic marijuana, according to a press release issued Feb. 14 by the ATC.

The suspension orders follow receipt of evidence from investigations by East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux’s office and Baton Rouge City Police Department that officers had witnessed sales of synthetic marijuana at Jasmin Food Mart, 1710 N. Sherwood Forest; Friendly Food Mart, 12617 Florida Blvd.; Jayla Food Mart, 12256 Jefferson Hwy.; and Keep Moving Food Mart, 6890 Kent Drive in Baker; and seized over 1,000 packs of synthetic marijuana and $243,000 during investigations of the locations.

ATC is currently working with several other law enforcement agencies across the state on this issue. Other actions will be handed down in the coming weeks.

ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert believes that synthetic marijuana poses a threat to the public health and welfare. “Businesses that choose to sell illegal drugs will not be allowed the privilege of selling alcoholic beverages. The choice will be theirs,” Hebert said.

The four stores that had their alcohol licenses suspended will face a hearing this Thursday, Feb. 16, at ATC.