MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A federal jury in Minnesota has reached a verdict in a closely watched case involving a head shop owner accused of illegally selling synthetic drugs.

Jim Carlson and two others are charged in a 55-count indictment involving sales from Carlson's Duluth business shop, Last Place on Earth.

The jury returned its verdict Monday afternoon, and it was to be read later in the afternoon. Deliberations began last Wednesday afternoon.

Prosecutors say the defendants knew they were selling recreation drugs that people would use to get high. Carlson didn't deny selling the products, but his attorneys argued he did nothing illegal.

The trial was seen as one of the first major tests in federal court of how effectively authorities can combat synthetic drugs.

More From AM 1240 WJON