Detectives are cracking down on the illegal "spice" trade in Ventura County.
After conducting a monthslong undercover investigation at more than 30 smoke shops in the area, police found nine shops actively selling the drug. Now, they're working to round up those who are peddling the drug.
The drug is composed of a mix of herbs with man made chemicals, giving it a mind-altering effect. It is often referred to as "synthetic marijuana," but its "effects are sometimes very different from marijuana, and frequently much stronger," according to a statement.
One smoke shop owner, who asked to be identified only as "Ronny" told NBC4 he is officially out of the spice business.
Ronny's Oxnard smoke shop Royal Spades was targeted during one of the countywide undercover stings. He said two of his employees were arrested, but he was not charged with a crime.
After serving search warrants at the 32 smoke shop locations, detectives seized more than 43 pounds of spice and a stolen handgun. In addition, they found evidence of sales of prescription drugs and 10 gambling style slot machines.
Spice is the second-most popular illegal drug used by high school seniors, police said.
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The drug is marketed as many things and packaged to appeal to young consumers. For example, some of the packaging labels include phrases like "Scooby Snax, "Frankin Stoned" and "Mr. Happy."
"It's disguised as potpourri or incense, something around those lines," said Captain John Reilly of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. "In the package you can get anything — from a severe dose to a minor dose — of whatever the drug is."
The arrests for sales of spice are pending while the substances are tested for illegal chemicals per the Drug Enforcement Administration, according to a statement.
