Officers Seize Illegal Substances in Smoke Shop Bust

Synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic ecstasy and synthetic cocaine were seized Monday from the Dream Electronic Cigarette shop in Līhu’e. Courtesy photo

KAUA‘I POLICE DEPARTMENT

News Release
For Immediate Release: October 16, 2012

Officers seize illegal substances in smoke shop bust

LĪHU’E  – Police seized numerous illegal substances and drug paraphernalia from Dream Electronics Cigarette shop in Līhu’e Monday morning.

Following a four-month long investigation, police served a search warrant at the shop at around 10:30 a.m. Monday with the assistance of two officers from the State’s Narcotics Enforcement Division (NED).
Items seized included synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic ecstasy and synthetic cocaine in addition to several bongs, smoking pipes and other drug paraphernalia.

The investigation into this incident remains ongoing at this time.

Officers seized numerous illegal substances and drug paraphernalia Monday from Dream Electronic Cigarettes located at 4741 Rice St. in Līhu’e. Courtesy photo

The Kaua’i Police Department takes this opportunity to warn the public, particularly parents, of products such as synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic stimulants.

“Sophisticated marketing tactics have led to the increased use of these illegal substances among children, and most parents would never suspect some of these products to be illegal,” said Assistant Chief of the Investigative Services Bureau Roy Asher. “As parents, guardians and role models to our youth, it is important that we are aware of what is happening in and around our home so that we can take the necessary steps to prevent drug abuse.”

Synthetic cannabinoids, also known as “Spice” or “K2,” is a mixture of herbs and spices typically sprayed with a synthetic compound chemically similar to THC, the psychoactive ingredients in marijuana.

Synthetic stimulants, commonly referred to as “bath salts,” mimic the effects of cocaine and can be sold in a powder form or in tablet or capsule form.

These are just a few of the products that are commonly found in smoke or tobacco shops or on the Internet, and product marketing often targets youth.

“Being that these are ‘synthetic’ drugs, people get a false sense of security that they are legal and safe and that’s simply not the case,” add Assistant Chief Roy Asher. “These products lead to the same adverse health effects as the drugs they mimic, such as anxiety, seizures, hallucinations, paranoid behavior and non-responsiveness.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports a significant increase in the use of these substances in recent years. In an effort to avoid an imminent threat to public safety, the synthetic cannabinoids and stimulants are now designated as Schedule 1 substances under the Controlled Substance Act, thereby making the distribution, marketing or possession of such products illegal unless authorized by law.

The DEA has created a website to help parents and guardians identify and prevent drug abuse in children and young adults. To learn more, visit www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com.

Locally, the Kaua’i Police Department works closely with Life’s Choices Kaua’i, formerly the Anti-Drug Office, in helping to combat alcohol and drug abuse among our keiki. For more information, contact the Life’s Choices Coordinator, Theresa Koki, at 241-4925.