Federal, state and local agencies executed search warrants at three Belmont County businesses suspected of selling synthetic marijuana.

Agents searched the Shadyside Party Center on Central Avenue in Shadyside, The Trading Post on Main Street in Bridgeport, and Bob's Cheap Smokes on National Road in St. Clairsville.

As of 1:30 p.m., agents were at all three businesses and the locations were secure. Belmont County Sheriff Dave Lucas told NEWS9 one person was taken into custody and the investigation is ongoing.

After the raids, a spokesperson with Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine's office said that the three Belmont County businesses were selling synthetic marijuana under various names.

In a statement,  DeWine said, "This is not the first time we've warned business owners to stop selling synthetic drugs or face the consequences, yet some store owners continue to knowingly profit off the addictive nature of these substances. Today's raids just go to show that if you are selling these drugs, law enforcement will find out."

Officials with the Belmont County Drug Task Force, the Belmont County Sheriff's Office, the Belmont County Prosecutor's Office, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration are working together on the cases.

DeWine’s office also said, "The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section filed civil lawsuits against those with ties to the businesses, alleging that they engaged in unfair, deceptive, and unconscionable acts by selling the illegal drugs as legal products.  nuisance abatements were filed in an effort to close the businesses for one year. … Today’s warrants were served as part of an intensified effort by local and state law enforcement agencies to fight the sale of synthetic drugs."

A woman who said she's friends with the Shadyside Party Center's owner said she was surprised to hear about the search.

"Any time they ask her or bring to her attention anything that might be illegal, she has it checked out. And to her knowledge, she's not doing anything wrong," said Melinda Hall.

Sheriff Lucas said he plans to hold a press conference Thursday morning to release more information about the raids.

The press release from Attorney General Mike DeWine's office can be found here.

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