Owner Of Pelham, NH, Store Charged With Selling Synthetic Marijuana

PELHAM, N.H. (CBS) – The owner of a Pelham store is under arrest and facing charges of selling synthetic marijuana, commonly known as spice.

Christopher Matte, 43, of Hudson, N.H., was arrested Friday on charges of felony sale of drugs at his Bridge Street store, Ace Discount Cigarettes, police said.

The arrest comes in the wake of the state of New Hampshire declaring a state of emergency Thursday after a sudden spike in overdoses from people ingesting a synthetic drug called Smacked.

Police said Matte's arrest ended a six-month investigation into the sale of synthetic marijuana in the Pelham area that involved purchases at the store by an undercover officer.

Pelham police say these packages of synthetic marijuna and cash were seized in the arrest of the owner of a Pelham, N.H. store. (Photo courtesy of Pelham Police)

According to police, Pelham police and troopers from the New Hampshire State Police Narcotics Investigation Unit recovered above $7,000 in cash and more than 100 bags of synthetic marijuana that were being sold for $19.99 per bag.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mark Katic reports

Matte was released on $10,000 personal recognizance bail and is scheduled to appear in Salem District Court on Sept. 22.

Police said further arrests are expected in the case.

MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON