FLORIDA
This week three Tampa residents plead guilty for their involvement in a conspiracy to import a synthetic cannabinoid, XLR-11, a/k/a “Spice,” and paraphernalia to the U.S. from China, officials said.
On Tuesday, August 11, 2015, Ahmed Yehia Khalifa, 28, and Ahmed Maher Elhelw, 25, both from Tampa, plead guilty to conspiracy to import a controlled substance, and conspiracy to manufacture, possess with intent to manufacture and distribute a substance.
The defendants agreed to the forfeiture of assets totaling $472,780. Each offense carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, according to authorities.
On Wednesday, Tanjina Islam Piya, 24, of Tampa, plead guilty to conspiracy to import drug paraphernalia. The defendant also agreed to the forfeiture of assets totaling $157,158.80 and real property in St. Petersberg, Florida. The offense carries a maximum penalty of 3 years in prison.
A fourth co-defendant, Saiful Hossain, is set for trial August 24. He has pleaded not guilty.
Authorities said the investigation revealed that the controlled substances had been shipped from China.
The court record indicates that an organic “carrier” medium, such as the herb-like substance damiana leaf and/or marshmallow leaf, which is then typically sprayed or mixed with a synthetic cannabinoid chemical compound which mimics the pharmacological effect of a controlled substance, officials said.
According to court records, Homeland Security Investigations, along with other law enforcement agencies, in Florida, have been investigating individuals who are importing illegal “smokable synthetic cannabinoids” and drug paraphernalia.
On November 7, 2014, Homeland Security agents arrested Elhelw in Vero Beach and recovered a more than six pounds of the controlled substance XLR-11, a chemical used in the manufacture of synthetic cannabinoids.
Further investigation revealed that as a result of the conspiracy, at least seven parcels, containing more than six pounds each of XLR-11, were imported into Florida, with a street value of approximately $5.4 million, officials said.
On May 19, 2015, federal search warrants were executed at various locations, including residences, a storage facility, and safe deposit boxes.
At the home shared by Hossain and Piya, agents recovered documentary evidence of the importation of “Spice” and drug paraphernalia. After having received consent from Hossain, law enforcement searched a storage facility and found drug paraphernalia and approximately 6.27 pounds of green leafy product.
Agents seized ledgers listing “Spice” brands and amounts, as well as jars, containing a mixture of containing 5-fluoro ABICA, an analogue intended for human consumption, from Khalifa’s residence.
At the homes of Piya/Hossain, Elhelw and Khalifa, agents also seized money.
On June 12, agents executed a federal search warrant at a residence connected to Khalifa and Hossain.
Agents seized numerous kilograms of leafy product, containing a mixture of XLR-11 and PB-22; bottles of FUB-PB-22 and drug paraphernalia, officials said.
Officials said this organic “carrier” is then commonly sprayed with a tobacco flavoring such as strawberry, blueberry, or pineapple, in order to mask the harsh chemical taste upon ingestion.
Currently, officials said there are hundreds of synthetic cannabinoid compounds.