On March 13, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas announced a significant crackdown on a drug smuggling operation that involved the online sale of synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as “K2” or “Spice”. The operation led to the seizure of three internet domains and the arrest of 10 individuals.
The websites HerbalIncenseUSA.com, Herbal-Biz.com, and Herbal-Empire.com were allegedly used to distribute “K2” through the U.S. Mail, marketing it as legal mail to help smuggle drugs into U.S. prisons. The synthetic cannabinoids were often delivered with the help of corrupt prison guards and led to numerous overdoses in detention centers across Texas and the nation.
These websites were identified as primary suppliers of K2, shipping thousands of packages annually. It was reported that a single sheet of paper soaked in K2 could sell for $1,000 in prisons. The illegal websites generated millions of dollars in gross revenue each year.
The 10 arrested individuals are named in two separate federal indictments and include Rana Alrichani, Taleen Gabriel Zakarian, Daniela Inman, Ioana Harhoiu, Ziad Tohme, Gabriel Raad, Daisy Chalfoun, Luisa Shahinyan, Harout Payaslyan, and Manuk Payaslyan. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation continues as authorities work to dismantle the network responsible for smuggling and distributing synthetic cannabinoids across the country.
