Joseph Ruis, Wholesale Spice Distribution, Virginia 2020

Leader of Wholesale Spice Distribution Network Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison

Alexandria, VA - A Los Angeles man was sentenced to 14 years in prison for leading a conspiracy involving the distribution of wholesale quantities of synthetic cannabinoids—commonly known as “spice” or “K2”—and laundering millions of dollars in the proceeds of the sale of that spice.

Joseph Ruis, 56, was the leader of a Southern California-based wholesale spice manufacturing and distribution operation. The illicit business, Aroma Superstore, presented as a legitimate business and maintained a professional-looking website through which buyers around the country could order packages of different varieties and flavors of spice.

The spice sold by Aroma Superstore almost uniformly contained chemicals listed as Schedule I controlled substances. The products were labeled “Not For Human Consumption” in an attempt to avoid regulatory or law enforcement scrutiny. The spice connected to this conspiracy was used by an individual from New Hampshire to fatally overdose.

Ruis controlled the operation and employed several individuals, including Kimberly Drumm, 52, and Bonnie Turner, 50, who helped run the business. Ruis ran Aroma Superstore like a legitimate business, maintaining an office, hiring a financial manager, and issuing regular paychecks to employees.

As part of his plea agreement, Ruis agreed to forfeit more than $2.9 million to the United States. Drumm and Turner each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of distribution of Schedule I controlled substances. Drumm and Turner were sentenced to 6 years and 5 years of imprisonment respectively for their role in the conspiracy.

Three additional defendants pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and were sentenced to over 6 years in prison combined.

Ruis was sentenced on November 19, 2020 in the Eastern District of Virginia.

Joseph Ruis, Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule I Controlled Substances and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, Alexandria, VA, November 19, 2020 - 14 years in prison, forfeiture of more than $2.9 million.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/leader-wholesale-drug-distribution-network-sentenced