Global Tobacco in Bloomington has apparently closed. (Photo By Eric Stock/WJBC)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON - A Bloomington tobacco store has apparently closed following a recent drug raid.

A sign on the door at Global Tobacco at 614 N. Main Street in Bloomington says 'Out of Blue Heaven.'  Efforts to reach anyone at that location or Global Tobacco's 2303 East Washington St. location or the one in Champaign were unsuccessful.

Bloomington and Champaign Police conducted a joint drug investigation called "Operation Storefront" with regional and federal law enforcement to bust a chain of stores for the alleged sale and distribution of a synthetic pot called "Blue Heaven."

Police say the stores were selling synthetic marijuana in Bloomington and Champaign.

Four apparent store employees were arrested in the raid, 48-year-old Ghassan Qahwaji of Bloomington, 39-year-old Ghiath Qahwaji of Bloomington, 32-year-old Hicham Rharabi of Normal and 35-year-old Hani Al-Maghayred of Bloomington.

Police also seized about $1 million in cash during the investigation.

Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.