Tucson part of multi-city 'Spice' investigation; 18 arrested

Published: Jul. 27, 2016 at 11:59 AM MST|Updated: Mar. 2, 2018 at 4:18 PM MST
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Several locations were involved in the investigation. (Source: Tucson News Now)
Several locations were involved in the investigation. (Source: Tucson News Now)
The investigation focused on the sale and distribution of synthetic cannabinoids, also known...
The investigation focused on the sale and distribution of synthetic cannabinoids, also known as "Spice." (Source: Drug Enforcement Administration)

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Authorities arrested 18 people and seized nearly 600 pounds of synthetic drugs, several luxury vehicles and over $350,000 in a multi-agency investigation in three cities on Wednesday, July 27.

According to a news release from the DEA, 32 federal search warrants were served in the Tucson area, Denver and Long Beach, CA.

The investigation focused on the sale and distribution of synthetic cannabinoids, also known as "Spice."

MORE COVERAGE: Photos from the raids; Firefighters average dozens of spice calls a month in Tucson

The release said a possible spice lab was dismantled, but it did not identify where the lab was located.

"This operation will be instrumental in restoring the quality of life for the neighborhoods impacted by the effects of the 'spice' epidemic," Tucson Police Department Chief Chris Magnus said in the release. "We would like to thank the federal and local partners who participated with us during this investigation, as well as the community, who has patiently waited for this investigation to conclude."

Officers from the South Tucson Police Department were at Tobacco & More on Sixth Avenue and 30th Street, according to STPD Chief Michael Ford.

Spice is a synthetic marijuana that has been prevalent in Tucson and Pima County.

According to the release, synthetic cannabinoids are sold as "herbal incense" and "potpourri" under names like K2, Spice, and many other names, at small convenience stores, head shops, gas stations and on the Internet.

The substance was blamed for nearly 100 overdose calls in just a three-month time frame in Tucson in 2015.

[READ: 'Spice,' synthetic marijuana overdoses hit all-time high]

Other locations where these drug busts took place were:

  • Prince Market, in the 950 block of West Prince Road
  • Chihuahua Market, in the 4800 block of South 12th Avenue

DEA conducted the investigation with the IRS-Criminal Investigations, Border Patrol, TPD, Sahuarita Police Department, and the Counter Narcotics Alliance. These agencies were supported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, as part of the DEA OCDETF Strike Force. Over a hundred personnel from federal, state and local Tucson agencies supported the enforcement endeavor, including Customs and Border Protection, HSI Enforcement and Removal Operations, United States Marshals Service, South Tucson police, and the Pima County Sheriff's Office.

"Border Patrol ardently supports DEA drug enforcement activities," Tucson Sector Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Paul Beeson said in the release. "Reducing the availability of dangerous drugs and making our communities safer is a shared responsibility."

K2/Spice fact sheet by Tucson News Now on Scribd

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