1 Jul 2013
After a seven-month investigation, agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, along with local law enforcement agencies, including the Austin Police Department, arrested 150 people, executed 375 search warrants, seized numerous bank accounts and conducted numerous raids in more than 30 states around the country. In Central Texas alone, there were raids on close to 20 residences and businesses. The operation resulted in the seizure of $500,000 and 1.5 tons of synthetic cannabis. In Austin, at least four people were arrested, one of whom allegedly operates a number of novelty stores. There were additional arrests of two Round Rock residents.
Synthetic cannabis (synthetic marijuana), also known as “K2” or “Spice,” was the primary target of the operation. It is the second most-used illegal drug by high school students, behind marijuana. The substance is derived from herbs, which, although natural, are then treated with synthetic chemicals. The drug is said to mimic the effects of marijuana, hence its name. It has only been around for a decade or so, and is sometimes marketed under the title of “herbal incense.”
The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that in 2012, over a third of all high school seniors used marijuana. Synthetic marijuana (spice, K2, etc.) was used by over 11% of high school seniors during the course of the year. It was used by about three times as many seniors as ecstasy, and by more than four times as many seniors as cocaine.
One of the dangers of the drug is that it is marketed as a “natural” product, perhaps leading some to consider that it is not harmful. The problem with this conclusion is that the active ingredients are synthetic, and have been known to produce psychotic effects (extreme anxiety, hallucinations and paranoia). In addition, the particular chemicals used are often not detected in standard drug tests. Those chemicals often change, as producers of designer drugs attempt to stay one step ahead of the laws that define illegal drugs. In its most frequent design, synthetic marijuana under federal law is a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning that it is classified as having a high potential for abuse, and as having no medical benefit.
Law Office of David D. White, PLLC
1205 Rio Grande Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 369-3737