Police arrested a husband and wife Wednesday after a synthetic marijuana operation was discovered in the basement of their business in Williston Park, according to authorities.

Sunita Shah, 57, and Rajesh Shah, 62, of 33 Crest Hollow Lane, were taken into custody after the fire department was called for a smell of gas at the site of a former foot spa business located at 120 Hillside Ave. It is now an accessories shop.   

After the Shahs unlocked the basement door, police say several cans of chemicals, along with drug paraphernalia, were observed. The building was then evacuated and aired out in order to continue with the investigation. 

According to court documents, police suspected they had come upon an operation to manufacture and distribute synthetic marijuana. Records show police seized over 20 pounds of the drug and 5,300 bags containing synthetic marijuana. 

The Shahs were both charged with criminal possession of precursor of a controlled substance, reckless endangerment and illegal use of nitrous oxide. 

An attorney for the couple called their arrests a "gross misunderstanding" and that someone else leases the space in the basement.