Spice Kings: Six Nabbed in Nationwide K2 Ring

MANHATTAN – Six individuals are facing federal charges today following a massive takedown of a nationwide drug trafficking operation specializing in synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as K2 or Spice. The bust, spearheaded by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the DEA, ripped through Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and Wisconsin, leaving a trail of seized evidence and arrested suspects.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim didn’t mince words: “Trafficking of synthetic cannabinoids – sometimes called K2 or Spice – is on the rise and posing a serious threat to public health and safety. Packaged attractively to appeal to teenagers and young adults, synthetic cannabinoids are in reality a toxic cocktail that can be very dangerous to consume. As alleged, thanks to our partners at the DEA, a sprawling operation of alleged traffickers has been dismantled.”

The indictment alleges that between October 2016 and May 2017, HIKMAT HAMED, a/k/a “Abu Amjad,” MOHAMMAD ABDELELAH AL BARBARAWI, a/k/a “Abu Yazan,” NEHAD THAHER, a/k/a “Nick,” SHADI SHUAIBI, HATEM K. EL HAJ, a/k/a “Tug Tug,” and MAYTHEM AL ABOUDI conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute leaves treated with 5F-MDMB-PINACA and FUB-AMB, both Schedule I controlled substance analogues. The operation wasn’t just about getting drugs on the street; it was about deception. Many packets were falsely labeled as “Potpourri Product,” and carried disclaimers like “NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION” and claims of compliance with federal and state laws – a transparent attempt to skirt the law and lure unsuspecting buyers.

HIKMAT HAMED, a/k/a “Abu Amjad,” was apprehended by DEA agents in St. Louis, Missouri, and is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge David D. Noce today. Simultaneously, MOHAMMAD ABDELELAH AL BARBARAWI, a/k/a “Abu Yazan,” and HATEM K. EL HAJ, a/k/a “Tug Tug,” were taken into custody in Chicago, Illinois, and will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cole. In Louisville, Kentucky, NEHAD THAHER, a/k/a “Nick,” SHADI SHUAIBI, and MAYTHEM AL ABOUDI were arrested and will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colin H. Lindsay.

DEA Special Agent in Charge Carl J. Kotowski slammed the organization’s priorities: “This multi-jurisdictional investigation puts an end to this alleged drug trafficking organization. This is just another example of an organization allegedly more concerned about making a profit selling their poison than they are about the safety of the public.” The investigation revealed a sophisticated network designed to maximize profit while minimizing risk—until now.

Each defendant faces one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substance analogues, carrying a potential 20-year prison sentence, and one count of conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead, which could add another five years. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla. Kim praised the DEA Newark’s Tactical Diversion Squad and acknowledged the crucial assistance of the United States Postal Inspection Service, various state police forces, and U.S. Attorney’s Offices across multiple districts.