Confiscated synthetic drugs are on display at a news conference at the DEA offices in Centennial, Colo., on Wednesday where it was announced that a federal grand jury in Denver has returned indictments charging nine individuals from across the country with conspiracy and drug distribution charges related to “Spice.”WASHINGTON – The Drug Enforcement Administration on Wednesday broadened its national crackdown on synthetic drug manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers as federal agents served hundreds of search and arrest warrants in at least 25 states.
Agents served warrants at homes, warehouses and smoke shops beginning early morning, DEA spokesman Rusty Payne said. The largest single operation was a statewide effort in Alabama. Agents also were active in 28 other states.
The DEA said agents made more than 150 arrests and served about 200 warrants. Federal, state and local authorities seized hundreds of thousands of individual packets of synthetic drugs and hundreds of kilograms of synthetic products used to make the drugs.
Authorities also seized more than $20 million in cash and assets, the DEA said.
The DEA has been cracking down on synthetic drugs, including so-called bath salts, spice and Molly, since the drugs first gained widespread popularity years ago.