The Dalton Police Department arrested Dhansukh C. Bhika, 62, of Cartersville, on Tuesday on nine counts of selling synthetic marijuana out of his Discount Tobacco Food Mart business at 516 ML King, Jr. Boulevard after a months-long investigation.
Investigators also seized 1,320 packages of material believed to be synthetic marijuana and nearly $85,000 in cash. The investigation, a cooperative effort involving the DPD, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Bartow County-Cartersville Drug Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations, began in October 2013.
After receiving information in December that Bhika’s business was selling synthetic marijuana, investigators with the DPD Drug Unit began an investigation. During the course of that investigation, evidence led detectives to the Cartersville area where Bhika lives.
On Tuesday, investigators arrested Bhika at his Dalton business on warrants for nine counts of selling a Schedule 1 drug. Investigators also executed search warrants at Bhika’s business and also his Cartersville apartment at 1106 Stonemill Circle.
Investigators seized 1,320 packages of leafy material weighing a total of 14,970 grams in various packaging that is believed to be synthetic marijuana. It will be tested at the GBI crime lab to confirm its chemical composition. Investigators also seized $84,993 in cash.
This investigation is continuing and more charges are possible.