Drug Task Force seizes synthetic marijuana in Lafayette gas station bust
Undercover officers with the Lookout Mountain Drug Task Force seized what they believe to be a large synthetic marijuana operation just before noon on Monday, Aug. 20, at a gas station in LaFayette. The bust came at the Pit Stop No. 6 convenience store along Alabama Highway (Ga. 151) just across the Catoosa-Walker County line. “We had undercover officers execute a purchase of approximately 50 grams of synthetic marijuana this morning just after 11:30 a.m.,” said Pat Doyle, commander of the Lookout Mountain Drug Task Force. “We’re working to seize all the evidence in the case at this time and then we will send that evidence to the crime lab for testing to determine if the synthetic marijuana contains any of the banned substances that qualify as a Schedule I drug.” All in all, Doyle says that approximately 100 packets of synthetic marijuana were confiscated during the bust, with each packet containing anywhere from three to five grams. “Each packet costs approximately five to eight dollars, but then they’ll charge anywhere from $20 to $40 for it,” Doyle said. “Our guys made a $300 purchase this morning during the undercover operation, and what we’ve seized today has an approximate value of three to four thousand dollars on the street.” Doyle said the male and female running the store were not arrested during the incident because the seized property still has to be checked at the crime lab before charges can be filed. to prayer,” said Chris Chambers, coordinator of student services said. “In fact, under the No Child Left Behind Act, Walker County was required to certify in writing to the state that it does not have a policy that denies participation in “constitutionally protected prayer.’” Seidel posed a scenario in which coach Mariakis is Moslem, taking the players to a mosque for team dinners. He said that, in such a situation, there would be significant public outcry against the said. “Coach Mariakis is an example of what I think a football coach should be like,” wrote Matthew Daniel, a former team manager when Mariakis was assistant coach at Chattooga. “Never once did he ever force Christianity on anyone. Yes, he talked about the Lord very regularly during pre-game speeches, but everyone responded to it very positively.” “Someone is shoving their version of the constitution down our promotes local pride, but is a boost to businesses as well, and gives them the opportunity to advertise. “By providing ‘Vote For’ sheets our hope is that businesses will place these in their windows and patrons will not only know that the business they are visiting wants to be voted as the best of Walker County but also that they have confidence enough in their products and services that they might also win,” said Snodgrass. “Winners are also given the opportunity to advertise in the Walker County Messenger in a special insert in the month of December, just in time for Christmas. Plaques are also given for first place as well as certificates for second so that winners may be recognized throughout the year. Another perk offered to winners is the opportunity to purchase special outdoor advertising such as banners and signs to help show that they are a part of the best Walker County has to offer.” Among regular winners of the past four years’ contest are Jackson Chevrolet for best dealership, Dr. Ford for best chiropractor, and Dr. Storey for best doctor. throats like they say religion has been forced on them, for this I am sorry” Terry Davenport wrote.” Why can’t they see their conduct calls us to more prayer, faith tells us God can fix this.” “I think it is time we as Christians stand up for our rights and stop being shut down by others,” Cristy Prince of LaFayette wrote. “I am proud of this coach and what he is doing for his players. What does this anti-religion committee want, more kids on drugs “It will all have to be tested at the lab, but if it comes back positive, then both parties would then be charged with felony distribution of a Schedule I drug,” he said. “Results in this particular case could take anywhere from four to six weeks.” Doyle said transactions and cases such as this one aren’t uncommon, but that they do sometimes get tricky with people always trying to alter coach. Regarding the summer camps, Seidel said, “You are pressured to go to that (Christian football) camp if you want to play. You are looked down upon if you don’t go to that camp.” “Playing time should strictly be based on merit, not on religious conviction,” he said. He said the foundation is seeking “immediate action to stop any and all violations of the First Amendment.” “The purpose is to protect the constitutional principle of separa- ingredients in order to clear new state laws. “It (synthetic marijuna) used to not be illegal, it was considered a novelty item, and it wasn’t against that law,” Doyle said. “Since 2009 laws have come into place, but we’re having to constantly update the banned substances lists. … People try to get around the law by changing up the recipe (for making synthetic marijuana).” tion between church and state,” Seidel wrote in the complaint. At the crux of the complaint is the First Amendment violation that occurs when faculty members inject religion into their professional roles as an educator or even as a coach, Seidel said. The foundation isn’t seeking to stop students from practicing their religion, only to end the perceived pushing of a particular religion by an employee, he said. “We’re not trying to cause this school district and violence and shootings? When you take moral value out of their lives, that is the end result, I don’t understand these people who want to take Gods love and love in general out of kids lives.” The most recent posting from one of the three creators: “I have a feeling that this FFRF group is waking up a sleeping giant.” Undercover officers Lookout Mountain Drug Task Force seized a large amount of synthetic marijuana on Aug. 20 at the Pit Stop No. 6 gas station along Alabama Highway in LaFayette. (Catoosa News photo/Adam Cook) Officers shut down the store while they were collecting evidence from inside and from the vehicles of the suspects. “We’ve seized the evidence from the store, so now we will just have to wait and see whether or not it tests positive for the banned substances,” Doyle said. Doyle said the store is also being looked at in a possible gambling operation, but stated that that case too is still under investigation. financial ruin,” Seidel said. “We just want the Constitution to be followed and we think that everybody should want that.” All policies regarding prayer are set locally, not by the Georgia Department of Education, according to Matt Cardoza, director of communications at Georgia Department of Education.