Calgary head shops targeted in synthetic pot bust

Raids against seven stores have led Calgary police to make what they consider their first bust of synthetic marijuana in the city.

In all, 770 packets of the drug worth an estimated $30,000 were seized from Bongs & Such, Smoker's Corner and Grass Roots stores Tuesday, said Det. Collin Harris.

He said the drug -- often branded as Spice, K2, Yucatan Fire, Tribe or Skunk -- contains an illegal organic compound and is said to mimic the effects of marijuana.

"The people that were selling the product knew the effects of the product and were telling our (undercover) individuals purchasing the product how to best consume it," Harris said.

Harris said medical reports from the U.S. indicate users of the drug have experienced side-effects, including panic attacks, heart palpitations, hallucinations, delusions and vomiting.