Local business owner pleads guilty to selling synthetic marijuana

A Boone County business owner accused of multiple drug charges pleads guilty to one charge in federal court.

Rafiqul Kahn, the former owner of Mari’s gas station, pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to violate the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act by trafficking in misbranded drugs.

Federal authorities said Kahn misleadingly referred to his synthetic marijuana products as “incense,” “herbal incense,” “potpourri,” and “therapeutic potpourri.”

Authorities report the synthetic marijuana packages did not have directions for use or include a manufacturer or distributor name.

Court documents show Kahn bought around 15 pounds of synthetic marijuana to sell at his store.

A federal indictment unsealed last June stated Kahn was selling illegal synthetic marijuana. The indictment lists five counts, which include conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and possession and manufacturing a controlled substance.

As part of Kahn’s plea deal, four of the counts will be dismissed at his sentence hearing.

Kahn could face up to five years without parole in federal prison.