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Federal Drug Enforcement Action In West Long Beach Re Alleged "Spice" Lab, Part of Search Warrants in LB, Tucson and Denver


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(July 29, 2016, 7:20 a.m.) -- Federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agents were busy in West Long Beach on Thursday (July 28), and in Tucson and Denver, serving a total of 32 search warrants and arresting 18 persons, part of [DEA release text] "a long-term federal investigation involving the sales and distribution of synthetic cannabinoids, aka 'spice.'"

LBPD PIO Sgt. Bradley Johnson tells LBREPORT.com that LBPD officers were present to assist DEA agents in the noon-hour with an alleged "spice lab" in the 1300 block of West Esther St. but what took place was a federal operation; LBFD also responded to deal with a hazmat clean-up at the scene.

DEA says in its release that "synthetic cannabinoids are sold as 'herbal incense' and 'potpourri' under names like K2 and Spice, as well as many other names, at small convenience stores, head shops, gas stations and via the Internet from both domestic and international sources. Overdose deaths have been attributed to the abuse of synthetic cannabinoids, including death by heart attack." Further at this link.]

[Scroll down for further.]


[DEA release text] DEA coordinated the service of 32 federal search warrants in Tucson, Arizona; Denver, Colorado and Long Beach, California, and arrested 18 subjects identified during the course of the investigation. Those arrested will be facing federal charges stemming from the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona.

"The trafficking and abuse of synthetic drugs like Spice is a public health and safety concern...These drugs are dangerous and potentially lethal for the people who take them," said Doug Coleman, DEA Special Agent in Charge in Arizona...

Nearly 600 pounds of synthetic cannabinoids were seized and a possible spice lab dismantled as a result of the enforcement operation, which also netted several luxury vehicles and over $350,000 in cash.

"IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) is proud to partner with the DEA and other law enforcement agencies in combatting drug trafficking. As they did in this case, IRS-CI Special Agents use their unique investigative skills to identify and trace the vast sums of monies that are generated by the sale of illicit drugs," stated IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Ismael Nevarez Jr.

"HSI [Homeland Security Investigations] and our federal and local partners are at the forefront of combating illicit activities to include the sale of synthetic drugs," said Bradford A. Bench, interim special agent in charge of HSI Phoenix. "Criminals who seek to spread their illegal business in our communities will not escape the reach of law enforcement. We continue to investigate, disrupt and dismantle hidden illegal and dangerous networks that pose a threat to the public."...

...DEA, along with the IRS-Criminal Investigations, United States Border Patrol, Tucson Police Department (PD), Sahuarita PD, and the Counter Narcotics Alliance conducted the investigation and 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 PD, and the Pima County Sheriff's Office...

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