DEA Raids Suspected Synthetic Marijuana Warehouse

A warehouse located at 6308 Benjamin Road is making the news once again. For the second time since April, the facility has been raided by law enforcement officers.

The first time it was deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office that targeted the building as a possible site for the production and distribution of synthetic marijuana. Now, the Tampa Bay Times is reporting a second raid on the warehouse. This time the law enforcement officials are from the federal Drug Enforcement Agency and they’re not saying much at this time (Read the Times’ story here).

Also known as “Spice” or “K2,” the designer drug uses chemicals that produce effects similar to marijuana. Spice has been linked to a number of health problems and has been known to contribute to increased anxiety, kidney failure and seizures.

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The state has outlawed many of the chemicals used in spice production, but manufacturers have been changing their recipes to stay a step ahead of the law. Some manufacturers have taken production into their own garages. An overnight explosion in Pasco County is thought to be linked to the production of synthetic marijuana.

Synthetic marijuana has become such a big concern Hillsborough is looking into creating its that would make spice production and distribution illegal within the county. Officials discussed the possibility of drafting an ordinance during a recent meeting.

"We have a grave, grave issue in our community that's kind of been kept quiet," said Commissioner Les Miller during the meeting on the proposed ordinance. "It's called synthetic drugs. It is a dangerous, dangerous drug."

Are you concerned about the production and sale of synthetic marijuana in Hillsborough County? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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