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Synthetic Cannabinoid Ring Busted in NYC
A massive synthetic cannabinoid distribution ring operating in all five boroughs of New York City has been busted, with ten defendants facing charges. The scheme, which allegedly involved the unlawful importation of at least 100 kilograms of illegal synthetic compounds, is believed to have produced approximately 1,300 kilograms of dried synthetic cannabinoid product, or approximately 260,000 retail packets.
Six of the defendants were arrested last night in connection with today’s charges, with the remaining four defendants still at large. Those arrested will be presented in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn later this afternoon.
The defendants, identified as MOHAMED ALMATHEEL, HAMID MOSHREF, ABDULLAH DEIBAN, FARIS NASSER KASSIM, and six others, are accused of operating a massive drug distribution ring that preyed on the homeless, burdened hospitals and emergency rooms, and fueled addiction.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said, “Today, we launch an aggressive assault on a public health crisis that is reaching epidemic proportions: the scourge of dangerous new drugs that are killing people and sending thousands upon thousands to emergency rooms in New York City and around the country.”
NYPD Commissioner William Bratton added, “This is a scourge on our society, affecting the most disadvantaged neighborhoods and our most challenged citizens. It affects teenagers in public housing, homeless in the city shelter system, and it’s quite literally flooding our streets.”
The investigation, which was coordinated with the NYPD, DEA, HSI, CBP, and the NYPD, resulted in the search of five processing facilities and warehouses used to process, store, and distribute synthetic cannabinoids, as well as inspections of over 80 stores and bodegas around New York City.
The synthetic cannabinoids, also known as “spice” or “K2,” are a toxic cocktail of lethal chemicals created in China and then disguised as plant material in New York City. The dangers of these substances are clear, with unpredictable and sometimes lethal effects.
DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt said, “There is a misconception that synthetic cannabinoids, known on the street as ‘synthetic marijuana,’” ‘K2,’ and ‘spice,’ are safe. Synthetic cannabinoids are anything but safe. They are a toxic cocktail of lethal chemicals created in China and then disguised as plant material here in New York City.”
The bust is a significant blow to the synthetic cannabinoid trade, which has been a major concern for law enforcement and public health officials in recent years.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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