As released by the Harrisburg Police Department:

Vice Unit detectives have been investigating the sale of synthetic marijuana and similar substances for well over a year. Illegal substances and a handgun were seized but prosecutions were difficult due to the ever changing chemical compound used to make the synthetics.

The Pennsylvania General Assembly changed the law to make it illegal to sell any synthetic marijuana and related substance regardless of chemical makeup.

On Monday, July 15, 2013, the Vice Unit culminated an investigation into the sale of synthetic marijuana at a number of neighborhood stores in Harrisburg. The Vice Unit detectives were assisted by other members of the Detective Division, Dauphin County Probation officers, Sheriff Deputies, officers of surrounding jurisdictions and agents from the Dept. of Treasury in executing search warrants on five stores. The search teams executed the warrants simultaneously.

Blays Grocery Store 2050 State St.

Coffie Blay, B/M/39, of Harrisburg is charged with 2 counts of Possession with Intent(PWI) to Deliver a Controlled Substance, 2 counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Sale of Tobacco – loose / out of pack cigarettes.

An undercover detective purchased synthetic marijuana on two occasions since May. During the search on Monday some of the money used to make the buys was recovered as well as 25 packets of synthetic marijuana valued at $865. Cash, $2,525, was also seized.

Hajmas Store 1951 Derry St.

Cachet House, B/F/24, of Harrisburg is charged with Resisting Arrest, Conspiracy-Delivery-Synthetic Marijuana, Delivery-Synthetic Marijuana, Paraphernalia, and Obstruction of Administrative Law.

Masawudu Gariba, B/M/33, of Harrisburg is charged with Delivery-Synthetic Marijuana, PWI- Synthetic Marijuana, and Conspiracy-PWI-Synthetic Marijuana.

Shanea House, B/F/27, of Harrisburg is charged with Conspiracy-Delivery-Synthetic Marijuana, and Delivery-Synthetic Marijuana. An undercover detective purchased synthetic marijuana and loose cigarettes in the store form the clerk in early July.

On 7/15/13, a search warrant was obtained for the business. When officers arrived the clerk, Shanea House, refused to allow access behind the counter. It was blocked by a plexi-glass door. Once opened, she was advised that she was under arrest and resisted the officers. A total of 621 packets of synthetic marijuana valued at $41,300, and $381in cash was seized.

Hajmas Store 2200 N. 6th St.

Masawudu Gariba, B/M/33, of Harrisburg is charged with Delivery-Synthetic Marijuana, PWI- Synthetic Marijuana, and Conspiracy-PWI-Synthetic Marijuana.

An undercover detective purchased synthetic marijuana and loose cigarettes in the store form the clerk in early July.

On 7/15/13, a search warrant was obtained for the business. A total of 30 packets of synthetic marijuana were seized.

Redd’s All Nighter Store 1852 North St.

Dounde Diallo, B/M/40, of Lemoyne is charged with Delivery-Synthetic Marijuana, PWI- Synthetic Marijuana, Paraphernalia, and PWI-Paraphernalia.

An undercover detective purchased synthetic marijuana and loose cigarettes in the store form the clerk in early July.

On 7/15/13, a search warrant was obtained for the business. Once secured a search was conducted. The following items were seized: 30 bags of synthetic marijuana, 49 vials of synthetics marijuana (value for all synthetics is $2,435), digital scales, marijuana grinders, and $470 in cash.

Anna’s Market 1544 Walnut St.

Anna Orosco, H/F/32, of Harrisburg is charged with Conspiracy-Delivery-Synthetic Marijuana, and Delivery- Synthetic Marijuana.

Moumar Diallo, B/M/44, of Harrisburg is charged with Conspiracy-Delivery-Synthetic Marijuana, and PWI- Synthetic Marijuana.

An undercover detective purchased synthetic marijuana and loose cigarettes in the store form the clerk in early July.

On 7/15/13, a search warrant was obtained for the business. Once secured a search was conducted. The following items were seized: 200 bags of synthetic valued at $10,291.00, $2,262 in cash.

Video: Mayor Linda D. Thompson Ribbion Cutting Ceremony at Anna's Market. "He's putting his money where his mouth is."

The Vice Unit detectives are still interviewing people and gathering more information. They learned that the stores were averaging sales of 200 to 300 packets of synthetic marijuana per week! The volume of sales surprised the detectives. The money being received by the dealers is also surprising. The synthetic marijuana is being purchased for a very low price and then sold by the dealers with markups of as much as 1500%

Residents and parents of children frequenting the stores are cautioned on the activity and possible problems at places where drug users and deals are made.

The investigation continues and anyone having any information on this is asked to contact Cpl. Gabriel Olivera at 717-255-3130 or golivera@cityofhbg.com. Anyone may also call the Dauphin County Police dispatch at 717-558-6900 and ask for a City detective.

In the beginning of July we told you about the plans of two developers to bring new restaurants and retail into downtown Harrisburg.

The following video contains footage of the empty lot at 200 State Street in its current condition. As illustrated in the conceptual drawings, here's a look at what the completed project might look like.

WCI Partners applied to construct the 2,000 sq/ft. brick building on July 6, 2013 for the purpose of housing "Fraise", a new farm-to-table restaurant.