TULSA, OKLAHOMA – In a devastating blow to the synthetic drug trade, John Ray James of Dewey, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to his role in a $8.2 million K2 conspiracy.
Between October 2011 and October 2014, James purchased products labeled as ‘potpourri,’ ‘aromatherapy,’ and ‘not for human consumption’ which contained synthetic drugs, known as K2. He knew these products would be consumed by customers, putting countless lives at risk.
‘Synthetic drugs are a serious health threat that is especially dangerous to the young people of our communities,’ said U.S. Attorney Danny C. Williams, Sr. ‘These synthetic drugs are sold with harmless sounding names to impressionable youth who are typically unaware of the harmful chemicals they are ingesting.’
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kelly Carpenter stated, ‘Synthetic drugs represent a serious public health problem and are generally marketed toward teens and young adults. The consumption of these illegal substances endangers young people around the country and can result in serious health issues, including death.’
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Richard Salter added, ‘The successful conclusion of this investigation represents what can be achieved when law enforcement, the medical community, educators and concerned parents come together for the welfare of our children.’
James will face a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Additionally, he agreed to the forfeiture of seized funds in the amount of $1.7 million.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) programs. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Catherine J. Depew.
Related Federal Cases
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- Amanda Jones Sentenced for 60 Years in Meth Conspiracy · Oklahoma
- Westville Woman Pleads Guilty to Meth Distribution Conspiracy · Oklahoma
- Tulsa Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing $1,000 from Tribal Org · Oklahoma
Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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