Niaz Khan, Synthetic Cannabinoids Distribution, New York 2021
Four men were taken into custody this morning for allegedly running a large-scale operation distributing synthetic cannabinoids through multiple websites.
Niaz Khan, Noel Sanabria, Andre Gomes, and Patrick Patterson are accused of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute synthetic cannabinoids and controlled substances using the internet.
The alleged scheme, which took place from February 2019 until May 2021, involved the sale of smokeable synthetic cannabinoids, also known as 'K2' or 'Spice,' containing controlled substances and/or a controlled substance analogue, throughout the United States.
The defendants sold these substances through at least four different websites that they operated, including K2HerbStore.com, HerbalPlug.com, LegalAromaTherapy.com, and LegalHerbalSmack.com.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said that trafficking of synthetic cannabinoids poses a serious threat to public health and safety, and that the defendants' business has been dismantled thanks to law enforcement efforts.
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea praised the detectives of the NYPD's Intelligence Bureau and other law enforcement partners for their dedication in bringing the defendants to justice.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York and has been assigned to United States District Judge J. Paul Oetken.
The defendants are scheduled to be presented in federal court later today and tomorrow.
Niaz Khan, Noel Sanabria, and Andre Gomes will be presented in Manhattan federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger, while Patrick Patterson will be presented in San Francisco federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Thomas S. Hixson.
The charges against the defendants include conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute synthetic cannabinoids and controlled substances using the internet.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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