Several Tucson businesses and homes were raided by authorities Wednesday morning, as part of a multi-city operation with the DEA targeting the synthetic drug "spice," officials said.
Officials served 32 federal search warrants in Tucson, Denver and Long Beach, California, and 18 people were arrested, said Erica Curry, a spokeswoman with the Drug Enforcement Administration. It's unclear how many of those arrests were in Tucson.
"The DEA led multiple enforcement operations in Tucson and the surrounding area this morning as part of a long-term federal investigation involving the sales and distribution of synthetic cannabinoids, also known as "spice," Curry said.
More than $350,000 in cash, 600 pounds of synthetic cannabinoids and several luxury vehicles were seized in the raids. In addition, law enforcement was able to dismantle a possible spice lab, she said.
Those arrested will be facing federal charges, Curry said.
The effects of synthetic cannabinoids range from feelings of euphoria to altered perception and psychosis, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. They can also lead to violent behavior and suicidal thoughts.
Since May 1, the Tucson Fire Department has responded to 192 calls for spice overdoses, said Capt. Barrett Baker, a department spokesman. In June and July of 2015, the department reported 60 calls for spice overdoses.
Baker said it's an "ebb and flow" from month-to-month, with slower months averaging 30 calls. But, the monthly average of spice overdoses recently has been upward of 65 per month.
βThis operation will be instrumental in restoring the quality of life for the neighborhoods impacted by the effects of the βspiceβ epidemic," said Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus, whose officers also took part in the raids.
More than 100 federal, state and local law enforcement officers assisted in the operation, Curry said.
The DEA did not list where the raids took place, but federal agents and local law enforcement officers were seen raiding the Chihuahua Market on South 12th Avenue near West Irvington Road. Tucson police officers and Border Patrol agents were seen outside the Blue Moon Smoke Shop in the 4300 block of South Sixth Avenue.
Meanwhile, Tucson City Councilman Steve Kozachik said he would ask the council to consider a ban on the sale of the substances, which are often sold as "incense" or "potpourri." His request is already backed by a second member of the Council, Regina Romero.
Calling the various substances "nasty" drugs that ruins lives, Kozachik says he wants to give law enforcement the tools to curb its use.
"Law enforcement is like a cat chasing it's tail trying to keep up with how the stuff is manufactured. We owe it to residents, public safety and public health workers to craft as broad an ordinance as we can so anybody caught selling or distributing these synthetic drugs are busted," he said.
In a memo to staff, Kozachik suggest a potential ban on the sale, distribution, or possession with the intent to sell spice or any related products.
The sale of the product would still be legal in other nearby cities, including South Tucson and unincorporated portions of Pima County unless similar bans are approved.
