STORE OWNER JAILED IN SPICE BUST

JACKSON COUNTY -- A store owner was arrested after undercover
narcotics agents went into her business and purchased spice, a
synthetic form of marijuana outlawed in the state, Sheriff Mike Byrd
said.

Agents with the Narcotics Task Force of Jackson County seized three
brands of spice Tuesday at Jr.'s Discount Cigarette and Beer on
Government Street, Byrd said.

The store's owner, Son Thi Nguyen, 48, of Linda Circle, Ocean Springs,
was charged with sale of a controlled substance and possession with
intent to distribute.

Byrd said Nguyen faces enhanced penalties because the store is within
1,500 feet of Oak Park Elementary School. The enhancement allows
officials to double the fine.

Nguyen was in Jackson County jail Wednesday on a total bond of
$15,000.

Byrd said agents would be watching other stores in Jackson County for
any illegal spice sales. Other undercover operations also are planned,
he said.

If convicted of both charges, Nguyen could go to prison for up to 30
years and pay a fine of more than $1 million.