State officials are moving to close a Binghamton grocery store after its owners were accused of selling synthetic marijuana.

Authorities say 62-year-old Vijaykumar Hathi and 64-year-old Deepa Hathi have been arrested by state police.

New York State Police photo
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A packet of "synthetic marijuana." [New York State Police photo][/caption]

Investigators say they are the owners of Friend's Groceries at 46 Court Street in downtown Binghamton. They were charged with misdemeanor sale of synthetic drugs under a Broome County law. They also were accused of violating a state health department regulation banning the possession of synthetic cannabinoid substances.

The arrests are part of a stepped-up effort to go after sellers of synthetic marijuana in New York. Other arrests have been made in recent days in Syracuse and Rochester.

The state health commissioner is issuing orders to immediately close the businesses accused of selling the drugs.

Synthetic marijuana typically consists of plant material coated with chemicals which are supposed to mimic the active chemical compound in naturally-grown marijuana.

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