Firas Abuzuhrieh, Synthetic Drug Trafficking, NM 2024

Former Albuquerque Smoke Shop owner Firas Abuzuhrieh, 40, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for his role in a synthetic drug trafficking ring. The Israeli national was arrested alongside his employee, Islam Kandil, 42, after selling the illegal substance ‘spice’ at their establishment, Ace Smoke Shop & Hookah Lounge.

The DEA-led investigation revealed that Abuzuhrieh and Kandil conspired to distribute spice within Bernalillo County from August 2014. Both men faced charges of conspiracy to distribute and actual distribution of the synthetic cannabinoid, commonly known as ‘spice’ or K2.

According to the indictment, Abuzuhrieh was caught selling spice to an undercover DEA agent on August 18, 2014, while Kandil sold it on Aug. 14, 2014. Following their arrests, a key belonging to a suite in the same complex as the Smoke Shop was found in Abuzuhrieh’s possession at the time of his arrest. During a search of both the shop and the suite, approximately 62 kilograms of spice were discovered.

Abuzuhrieh was convicted on all five counts against him following a trial that concluded in August 2015. Kandil pleaded guilty to delivering misbranded food, drugs, or tobacco products into interstate commerce and received time served followed by supervised release.

The DEA has warned of the dangers of synthetic cannabinoids, noting their increasing popularity as they mimic marijuana but are more potent and dangerous, often labeled as incense to mask their intent. These substances have not been approved for human consumption by the FDA and lack oversight in manufacturing processes.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer M. Rozzoni and Shana B. Long.

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