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LAPORTE — The first of five people accused in a plot to sell fake drugs and rob the buyer has been given a 12-year prison sentence.

The alleged scheme involving catnip sprayed with insecticide unraveled when the buyer turned out to be an undercover police officer.

Oscar Griffin, 36, was sentenced Friday on charges of level 3 felony conspiracy to commit robbery and level 5 felony dealing synthetic marijuana.

Charges against Mario Hansard, Cahniqua Sparks, Gina Hollliday and Dove Neer are pending.

According to court documents, Griffin and the other four, all from Fort Wayne, were outside the LaPorte Walmart store in June to sell catnip laced with insecticide as synthetic marijuana and rob the buyer.

LaPorte County deputy prosecutor Atley Price said a confidential informant was lined up as the purchaser until authorities learned the customer was to be robbed.

Price did not know what kind of insecticide was used, but speculated it was sprayed to fool the buyer by giving the catnip an odor similar to synthetic marijuana.

LaPorte County Drug Task Force commander Sgt. Andy Hynek said baking powder and sugar portrayed as cocaine turns up occasionally, but fake drugs involving catnip is a first.

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