Police seize $775K in synthetic marijuana headed for city street - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

Nearly $775,000 in synthetic cannabis was seized and two men were arrested in a Chicago Police raid at a Northwest Side warehouse.

The police Package Interdiction Team informed narcotics officers Friday that a 64-pound shipment of synthetic cannabis, with a street value of nearly $500,000, was due to arrive in Chicago, according to a statement from police.

A search warrant was issued Monday for the Northwest Side warehouse, which served as a "shipping hub for narcotics," the statement said.

Officers found bundles of synthetic cannabis with stickers that included the Scooby Doo cartoon character and labeled with the words "Scooby Snax," according to police, who believe the labels are intended to attract young children. The total street value was estimated at $775,000.

Police also found more than 100 cases of drug paraphernalia, including scales and plastic bags to package and ship the cannabis, as well as cash, the statement said.

Davendra Patel, 61, of the 300 block of West Tuttle Drive in Bloomingdale; and Rajendrakumar Patel, 52, of the 4400 block of West Lawrence Avenue were charged with two felony counts each of possession of a controlled substance, the statement said.

The seizure marks the first search warrant and prosecution in Cook County since a state law banning the sale of synthetic cannabis and products containing hallucinogenic substances became effective at the beginning of the year, the statement said.

"This is yet another way in which our youth are being targeted by the people who drive the violence within our city," Police Supt. Garry McCarthy said in the statement.