Fugitive Appears in Court; Charged with Narcotics and Firearms Trafficking, Money Laundering, and Criminal Conspiracy

A former Passaic County man who has been a fugitive since 2009 made his initial court appearance Friday, February 8, 2013. The investigation leading to his apprehension was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Kujtim Lika, 47, formerly of Passaic County, N.J., appeared in Newark Federal Court Friday, February 8, 2013, to face numerous charges, including narcotics and firearms trafficking, money laundering, interstate transportation of stolen property, and criminal conspiracy.

According to court documents, three years ago, 26 individuals were charged – including Lika – with multiple crimes in connection with an investigation into several loosely connected Balkan criminal enterprises operating throughout New Jersey, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Canada, and the Netherlands. The arrests were part of a federal joint operation that began in 2003.

Lika's case was featured on the television program "America's Most Wanted." He was subsequently apprehended May 24, 2012, by the Toronto Police Department/Toronto Task Force in Canada. He had been using the alias, "Dashamir Cela" at the time of his arrest.
He was detained without bail.

The charges and allegations against Lika are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Texas Resident Guilty of Smuggling Marijuana

A Kingsville, Texas, man was found guilty Monday, February 4, 2013, of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

This conviction resulted from an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Kingsville Narcotics Task Force.

Michael "Mickey" Pena, 45, was found guilty by a federal jury for participating in a drug trafficking organization that transported large amounts of marijuana concealed in the hulls of altered shallow-bottom fishing boats. The marijuana was transported via the intracoastal waterway from Port Mansfield to Corpus Christi to circumvent Border Patrol checkpoints in Falfurrias and Serta, Texas. The federal jury returned their verdict in Corpus Christi after deliberating only 30 minutes following the trial that lasted less than a day.

"Drug smugglers seek the path of least resistance," said Brian M. Moskowitz, special agent in charge of HSI Houston. "The great collaborative work of our special agents and law enforcement partners in this case should give pause to trafficking organizations who seek to exploit our coastal waters to move illegal drugs into this country."

Court testimony revealed that in early 2012, drug trafficking organization members deconstructed a 21-foot Dargel Scout fishing boat over 20 days. The hull of the vessel was then loaded with more than 1,100 pounds of marijuana, and the deck of the boat was rebuilt. The boat was then launched in Port Mansfield and co-defendant Rogelio Mendoza drove it north. 

Marine interdiction agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted the vessel just south of Corpus Christi.

Subsequent investigation by HSI revealed that Pena arrived at marker 37 with an empty boat trailer shortly after the boat was intercepted and had registered the vessel in his name two weeks earlier. Certified state documents showed that the previous owner of both the boat and the empty trailer were members of the drug trafficking organization. Special agents also testified that they had conducted surveillance of organization members scouting boat ramps near marker 37 about six weeks before the seizure and then immediately drove to Pena's Kingsville residence.

Mendoza, 37, and five other members of the conspiracy had previously pleaded guilty before U.S. district judges in Corpus Christi and have been or are awaiting sentencing. Those drug trafficking members include: Alberto Lopez, aka Alberto Lopez-Reyna, 39, Lombardo Zarate, 49, Glen Dial, 56, Luz Ramirez, 25, and Hector Perez-Gonzalez, 39.

Senior U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack, who presided over the trial, has set sentencing for April 17, at which time Pena will face a minimum of five and up to 40 years in prison, as well as a possible $5 million fine, and a substantial money judgment. Pena will remain in custody pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey D. Preston, Southern District of Texas, prosecuted the case. 

New York Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

On Monday, January 7, 2013, a Niagara Falls, N.Y., man pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to conspiracy to possess, with the intent to distribute, 100 kilograms of marijuana. The man faces up to 40 years in prison and a $2 million fine.

Wally Reynolds, 36, supervised other individuals in a drug conspiracy who imported marijuana from Canada into the United States. The defendant then distributed the marijuana to his customers in the United States.

The plea is the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Sentencing is scheduled for May 6 before Judge Arcara.

4 Texas Policemen Charged with Drug Conspiracy

Two complaints were filed Thursday, December 13, 2012, charging two Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) deputies and two Mission Police Department (MPD) officers with a drug trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Southern District of Texas.

MPD officer Alexis Espinoza, 29, of Alamo, was arrested Wednesday, December 12, 2012, and made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dorina Ramos Thursday, December 13, 2012. A decision on his bond has not yet been determined by the court.

A second complaint was filed Thursday, December 13, 2012, charging MPD officer Jonathan Trevino, 28, of McAllen; Fabian Rodriguez, 28, of Edinburg, and Gerardo Duran, 30, of Pharr, both with HCSO. They were arrested Thursday, December 13, 2012, and appeared before Judge Ramos Friday, December 14, 2012.

According to court records, in early 2012 agents learned that members of HCSO's Panama Unit were involved in distributing narcotics. The Panama Unit is a task force designed to target narcotics trafficking in Hidalgo County, and is comprised of law enforcement officers from HCSO and MPD.

This investigation revealed that members of the Panama Unit, including Trevino, Espinoza, Rodriguez and Duran, allegedly used their law enforcement positions to escort and protect loads of smuggled narcotics; and they were paid for their services.

The case is being investigated by the following agencies: the Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and ICE's Office of Professional Responsibility, the FBI, the Texas Rangers, and the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anibal Alanis and James Sturgis, Southern District of Texas, are prosecuting the case.

Canadian National Sentenced for Smuggling Ecstasy into U.S.

Following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a Canadian man was sentenced to eight years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to import large amounts of ecstasy pills into the United States.

James Elliott, 62, of Windsor, Ontario, was sentenced Thursday, December 6, 2012, in federal court to eight years in prison.

"HSI will not tolerate the illegal movement of drugs into the United States," said John Kelleghan, special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia. "HSI stopped these criminals, who are motivated by greed, from distributing large quantities of illegal drugs in our community and endangering the welfare of our citizens."

Elliott helped recruit and organize a group of smugglers, mostly from the Windsor area, who imported large quantities of drugs into the United States. These drugs were manufactured in Canada by Asian drug trafficking organizations. These organizations then hired Elliott and his couriers to transport the drugs to other drug dealers across the United States. Elliott's conduct came to light in September 2007 when two couriers were stopped in Philadelphia and law enforcement officers seized 102,000 ecstasy pills which the couriers had attempted to distribute to drug dealers in Philadelphia and Boston.

Eastern District of Pennsylvania Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Livermore prosecuted the case.

ICE Puerto Rico Target Operation Arrests 27 Drug Traffickers

Twenty-seven alleged members of a Puerto Rican drug trafficking and money laundering organization responsible for the importation of multi-kilograms of cocaine into the United States were arrested Friday, November 9, 2012, in several municipalities of Puerto Rico.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, working jointly with Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) and San Juan Police Department (SJPD) officers, launched Operation Caribbean Pirates Phase II as part of HSI’s strategy to dismantle drug lord Jose Figueroa-Agosto’s, aka Junior Capsula’s, drug trafficking organization.

"The indictment and arrest of these individuals sends a clear message to those involved in drug trafficking and money laundering that HSI will go after them, bring them to justice and seize the assets produced by their illicit activity," said Angel Melendez, acting special agent in charge of HSI Puerto Rico.

Jose Figueroa-Agosto, 47, the leader of the largest drug trafficking organization in the Caribbean, and 12 other members of his organization were arrested by HSI special agents Nov. 21, 2010.

The group was charged in a 12-count indictment with conspiracy to import narcotics into the United States, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and money laundering. The indictment also seeks to forfeit the proceeds obtained as a result of such offenses, up to an amount of $100 million.

On Friday, November 9, 2012, HSI special agents arrested 27 additional alleged members of Figueroa-Agosto’s drug trafficking organization who, according to the indictment, played the role of transporters and facilitators for the organization. As part of the conspiracy, it is alleged that these individuals smuggled hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into Puerto Rico from the Dominican Republic in private vessels. The narcotics were then distributed in Puerto Rico and the continental United States. Part of the drug proceeds would also be smuggled from Puerto Rico back into the Dominican Republic in bulk cash quantities.

Those arrested were:

·                             Alex Manuel Rivera-Figueroa

·                             Alexis Centeno-Luciano

·                             Axel Ramos-Echeandia

·                             Bryan Mulero-Rivera

·                             Carlos Rodriguez-Millan

·                             Carlos Latoni-Morales

·                             Carme Gonzalez-Colon

·                             Esaul Hernandez

·                             Felipe Encarnacion-Paredes

·                             Fernando Nieves-Lopez

·                             Harold Luciano-Betancourt

·                             Ismael Otero-Paris

·                             Jeffrey Nunez-Jimenez

·                             Jonathan Alfonso-Rodriguez

·                             Jose Luis Morales-Varona

·                             Luis Rivera-Dones

·                             Norma Vazquez-Figueroa

·                             Obie Colon-Pena

·                             Paulino Mejias-Garcia

·                             Rafael Fuentes-Miranda

·                             Reinaldo Martes-Perez

·                             Ruben Mendez-Matias

·                             Yamil Davila-Lopez

·                             Yolymar Negraon-Cosme

·                             Ysmael King-Almeida

·                             Juan Carlos Berrios-Sanchez

·                             Eddie Brito-Martinez

Those arrested were transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. One remaining suspect, Cesar Caballero-Collazo, remains a fugitive.

If the allegations contained in the indictment result in convictions, all defendants shall forfeit to the United States properties and/or cash for a total of $100 million.

If convicted, the defendants face a sentence of a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison, and fines of up to $4 million. Defendant Figueroa-Agosto is facing a mandatory life sentence if found guilty of the continuing criminal enterprise charge.

ICE encourages the public to report suspected weapons and narcotics smuggling and related information by calling at 1-866-DHS-2ICE. For more information, visit www.ice.gov.

ICE and CBP Profiled in New National Geographic Series

Millions of dollars of contraband are seized annually by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, and officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, one of the largest hubs for international travel in the United States. In a new series "To Catch a Smuggler," National Geographic TV takes you inside the action.

The ICE HSI JFK Narcotics Smuggling Unit, known as JNSU, is highlighted as members investigate cases involving seized drugs, or apprehend individuals who attempt to smuggle contraband into the U.S. The public can follow the special agents as they uncover criminal activity as National Geographic TV cameras go where people are rarely allowed – into the interrogation room with HSI special agents as they identify, search and question smugglers.

ICE committed to the filming in an effort to educate the American public about the important work HSI special agents do protecting Americans by upholding over 400 federal statutes and U.S. customs laws. As a young federal agency it is important for the public to understand that ICE is responsible for investigating a wide range of domestic and international activities arising from the illegal movement of people and goods into, within and out of the United States.

HSI investigates the smuggling of humans, narcotics, weapons and other types of contraband, as well as immigration crime, human rights violations, financial crimes, cybercrime and export enforcement issues, to name a few. ICE special agents conduct investigations aimed at protecting critical infrastructure industries that are vulnerable to sabotage, attack or exploitation.

The National Geographic TV series shows how people employ numerous methods to smuggle drugs into the country. In one episode an Ecuadorian man is interviewed by HSI special agents, and despite continued protestations, an x-ray reveals he's swallowed large pellets of liquid heroin.

Later in the series, a random baggage search by CBP officers of an 18-year-old teenager reveals cocaine in the lining of his luggage, seeping out through the cracks in his suitcase and mixing in with his clothes. After he's arrested, HSI special agents convince him to cooperate and start naming names.

The new series premieres Monday, October 8, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.  

"Latin Kings" Gang Members Face Federal and State Charges for Drug Trafficking

Twenty-six alleged members and associates of the Latin Kings street gang are facing federal narcotics charges, most of them for their alleged roles in one of two drug-trafficking organizations that supplied and distributed multi-kilogram quantities of heroin, cocaine and marijuana in Chicago and the south suburbs. Another 17 defendants face related state charges in Cook and Will counties.

The federal charges, contained in four separate criminal complaints, stem from a narcotics and firearms trafficking investigation led by the following agencies: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Joliet Metropolitan Area Narcotics Squad (MANS); and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

On Wednesday, September 12, 2012, agents seized an undetermined amount of cash and 13 firearms, including five long-barreled weapons, while arresting 16 of the federal defendants. Six other federal defendants were already in custody, and four remain fugitives. Previously, during the two-year investigation, agents seized more than $50,000; four firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun; more than two pounds of heroin, and wholesale quantities of cocaine; all in the Chicago area. Nearly two tons of marijuana that was interdicted along the Southwest border were also seized.

A federal magistrate judge approved the use of no-knock arrest warrants for two defendants: Damian Rivera, aka "Spook," aka "King Spook," 31, of Burbank; and Emmanuel Fernandez, aka "Maniac," aka "Manny," 27, of Chicago; based on allegedly possessing firearms and expressing a willingness to use violence.

Three federal defendants were arrested earlier this week and charged with conspiring to possess and distribute cocaine that they planned to steal from what they believed was a drug stash house. Instead, it was actually a ruse as part of an undercover sting operation. The overarching investigation made critical use of an undercover agent who successfully infiltrated the Latin Kings for an extended time.

Twenty-two of the defendants were charged with various drug distribution offenses in two separate criminal complaints filed Tuesday, September 11, 2012, in the Northern District of Illinois and unsealed following the arrests. The federal defendants arrested Wednesday, September 12, 2012, appeared before Magistrate Judge Arlander Keys in U.S. District Court; all but one remains in federal custody pending detention hearings.

Gary S. Shapiro, acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, praised the dedication and teamwork of HSI, ATF, and Joliet MANS agents who worked diligently to disrupt these alleged drug-trafficking organizations. Mr. Shapiro announced the charges with Gary Hartwig, special agent in charge of HSI Chicago, and Larry Ford, special agent in charge of ATF in Chicago.

The following agencies also participated: Internal Revenue Service's Criminal Investigation Division, Illinois State Police, as well as the Illinois police departments of Summit, Bolingbrook and Lyons. The investigation was conducted under the umbrella of the U.S. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.

"These cases are textbook examples of the work that the U.S. Attorney's Office routinely performs with all of our law enforcement partners – federal, state and local – to stem the tide of gangs, guns, drugs and violent crime in Chicago and neighboring communities," Shapiro said.

Hartwig said: "This investigation has dealt a serious blow to alleged criminal organizations suspected of trafficking large quantities of heroin and cocaine from Mexico into the Chicago area. The arrests, including those of several high-ranking Latin Kings gang members, dismantled a destructive supply chain and prevented untold amounts of dangerous drugs and guns from reaching our streets."

"Combating drugs and violent crime, while protecting the public, is the mission of ATF," Ford said. "Yesterday, the men and women of ATF, together with our law enforcement partners, arrested ranking members of the Latin Kings street gang operating in the suburbs of Summit, South Holland, Joliet, Bolingbrook, Orland Hills, New Lenox, Lemont and Brookfield, with tentacles reaching into the Ogden police district on Chicago's near west side, thereby making our respective communities safer. It is a priority of ATF to protect our neighborhoods from drug trafficking and the accompanying use of firearms and violent crime," he added.

United States v. Rivera, et al.

 

Twelve defendants were charged with various conspiracies to distribute heroin, or were charged individually with possessing heroin with intent to distribute, or distributing heroin, in an eight-count complaint supported by a 234-page affidavit. These defendants were associated with defendant Rivera, the alleged leader of a Chicago-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that bought and sold kilogram quantities of heroin on a monthly basis, the charges allege.

Between March and June, the Rivera DTO allegedly distributed or attempted to possess and distribute at least 5.5 kilograms (about 12 pounds) of heroin and collected more than $171,850 in heroin proceeds.

In May, agents seized more than a kilogram of heroin and more than $53,000 combined on two occasions in May and June. In June 2011, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized a shipment of about 1,674 kilograms (about 3,700 pounds) of marijuana that was found hidden inside furniture in a tractor-trailer on the U.S.-Mexican border at Laredo, Texas. The electronic manifest listed the "ultimate consignee" as "Damian Rivera dba D. Rivera Construction," with various personal identifiers associated with Rivera.

The complaint details recorded conversations in which Rivera allegedly said that the last time he was in Mexico was when he ordered the load of marijuana that was seized by CBP officers at the border.

Between September 2011 and March, the undercover agent and others allegedly purchased 100-gram quantities of heroin on four occasions from Rivera and others, as well as a .380-caliber pistol, a 9mm firearm, a Glock pistol, a sawed-off shotgun, and a bullet-proof vest.

Also charged in this complaint were Pedro Antonio Hernandez-Aceves, who allegedly brokered the shipment of kilogram quantities of heroin on behalf of the Rivera organization, and Fernandez, who allegedly stored and distributed wholesale quantities of heroin, and collected and delivered cash proceeds generated by selling heroin. Defendant Hector Arias allegedly distributed wholesale quantities of heroin and collected cash for delivery to the organization's heroin supplier, while Hilario Trevino allegedly collected the Rivera organization's money.

Rivera and his organization received shipments of wholesale quantities heroin from defendants Israel Rios, Eugenio Miranda-Aparicio and Arturo Esquivel-Camacho, the charges allege.

Defendants Lamont Wallace, William Nunez, Adalberto Diaz and Deangelo Curtis allegedly distributed the heroin.

United States v. Cisneros, et al.

 

Eight defendants were charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and two others were charged with distributing cocaine in a three-count complaint supported by a 132-page affidavit. These defendants were associated with Alan Cisneros, aka "Ghost," 27, of Summit, Ill. Cisneros is the alleged leader of a DTO based in Summit, and was the alleged regional leader of the Midwest Region of the Almighty Latin King Nation until he was arrested in May.

Between November 2011 and May 7 the Cisneros DTO allegedly obtained multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine from suppliers such as co-defendants Andres Garcia and Ricardo Juarez, and distributed the cocaine to its customers. Defendant Christian Ramirez allegedly distributed cocaine and served as a manager of the organization.

Ramirez assisted Cisneros by dealing directly with drug suppliers on Cisneros' behalf, and by obtaining, preparing and storing cocaine prior to its distribution to organization workers and drug customers, the charges allege. Further, Ramirez allegedly collected cash from workers, distributors and customers, and stored and delivered drug money on behalf of the organization.

Co-defendants Faustino Morales, Javier Abeja, Alejandro Cabrera, Fernando Llanes and Ernesto Rosales allegedly were drug distributors, or workers, to whom Cisneros allegedly fronted cocaine for distribution. These defendants also delivered cocaine or cash to Cisneros or Ramirez, prepared cocaine to be sold to customers, stored cocaine and money, and conducted counter-surveillance, according to the complaint. Additionally, Abeja and Llanes allegedly brokered purchases of cocaine from suppliers. Cisneros' wife, Diana Cisneros, allegedly worked for the organization and assisted her husband with storing and delivering drugs and proceeds, and conducting counter-surveillance.

In a separate complaint, Juan Amaya, aka "Crow," 37, of Chicago, was charged with distributing an ounce of cocaine to an undercover agent in November 2010. Amaya is an alleged ranking Latin Kings member who distributed drugs in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood.

The following three defendants were arrested Monday for allegedly conspiring to steal drugs from the undercover stash house: Justin R. Davila, aka "Fatman," 23; his brother, Jason J. Davila, 21; and Nieko E. Hadley, aka "Yogi," 20; all of Joliet.

Eight defendants in the Rivera case face a mandatory minimum of 10 years to a maximum of life in prison and a $10 million fine; the others face sentences ranging from a maximum of 20 to 40 years in prison and fines up to $5 million. All 10 defendants in the Cisneros case face a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $5 million.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Tracy, Peter M. Flanagan, Christopher Grohman and Philip Fluhr, Northern District of Illinois, are prosecuting the case.

The public is reminded that complaints contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Extensive ICE Operation Arrests 90, Millions of Synthetic Narcotics Seized

More than 90 individuals were arrested and approximately five million packets of finished designer synthetic drugs were seized in the first-ever nationwide law enforcement action against the synthetic designer drug industry responsible for the production and sale of synthetic drugs that are often marketed as bath salts, Spice, incense, or plant food. More than $36 million in cash was also seized.

As of July 26, 2012, more than 4.8 million packets of synthetic cannabinoids (K2, Spice) and the products to produce nearly 13.6 million more, as well as 167,000 packets of synthetic cathinones (bath salts), and the products to produce an additional 392,000 were seized.

Operation Log Jam was conducted jointly by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with assistance from the IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, FBI, Food and Drug Administration's Office of Criminal Investigations, as well as state and local law enforcement members in more than 109 U.S. cities and targeted every level of the synthetic designer drug industry, including retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers.

"Today, we struck a huge blow to the synthetic drug industry. The criminal organizations behind the importation, distribution and selling of these synthetic drugs have scant regard for human life in their reckless pursuit of illicit profits," said Acting Director of ICE's Office of Homeland Security Investigations James Chaparro. "ICE is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring this industry to its knees."

"Although tremendous progress has been made in legislating and scheduling these dangerous substances, this enforcement action has disrupted the entire illegal industry, from manufacturers to retailers," said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. "Together with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, we are committed to targeting these new and emerging drugs with every scientific, legislative and investigative tool at our disposal."


"The synthetic drug industry is an emerging area where we can leverage our financial investigative expertise to trace the path of illicit drug proceeds by identifying the financial linkages among the various co-conspirators," said Richard Weber, chief, IRS Criminal Investigation. "We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and ultimately dismantle the highest level drug trafficking and drug money laundering organizations that pose the greatest threat to Americans and American interests."

"The U.S. Postal Inspection Service aggressively investigates the use of the U.S. Mail system for the distribution of illegal controlled substances and its proceeds. Our agency uses a multi-tiered approach to these crimes: protection against the use of the mail for illegal purposes and enforcement of laws against drug trafficking and money laundering. This includes collaboration with other agencies," said Chief Postal Inspector Guy J. Cottrell.

"The mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection is to guard our country's borders from people and goods that could harm our way of life," said Acting Commissioner David V. Aguilar. "We are proud to be part of an operation that disrupts the flow of synthetic drugs into the country and out of the hands of the American people."

Over the past several years, there has been a growing use of, and interest in, synthetic cathinones (stimulants/hallucinogens) sold under the guise of "bath salts" or "plant food." Marketed under names such as "Ivory Wave," "Purple Wave," "Vanilla Sky," or "Bliss," these products are comprised of a class of dangerous substances perceived to mimic cocaine, LSD, MDMA and/or methamphetamine. Users have reported impaired perception, reduced motor control, disorientation, extreme paranoia, and violent episodes. The long-term physical and psychological effects of use are unknown but potentially severe.

These products have become increasingly popular, particularly among teens and young adults and those who mistakenly believe they can bypass the drug testing protocols that have been set up by employers and government agencies to protect public safety. They are sold at a variety of retail outlets, in head shops and over the Internet. However, they have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for human consumption or for medical use, and there is no oversight of the manufacturing process.

Smokable herbal blends marketed as being "legal" and providing a marijuana-like high have also become increasingly popular, particularly among teens and young adults, because they are easily available and, in many cases, they are more potent and dangerous than marijuana.

These products consist of plant material that has been coated with dangerous psychoactive compounds that mimic THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. Just as with the synthetic cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids are sold at a variety of retail outlets, in head shops and over the Internet. Brands such as "Spice," "K2," "Blaze," and "Red X Dawn" are labeled as incense to mask their intended purpose.

While many of the designer drugs being marketed today that were seized as part of Operation Log Jam are not specifically prohibited in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the Controlled Substance Analogue Enforcement Act of 1986 (AEA) allows these drugs to be treated as controlled substances if they are proven to be chemically and/or pharmacologically similar to a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance. A number of cases that are part of Operation Log Jam will be prosecuted federally under this analogue provision, which specifically exists to combat these new and emerging designer drugs.

DEA has used its emergency scheduling authority to combat both synthetic cathinones (the so-called bath salts like Ivory Wave, etc.) and synthetic cannabinoids (the so-called incense products like K2, Spice, etc.), temporarily placing several of these dangerous chemicals into Schedule I of the CSA. Congress has also acted, permanently placing 26 substances into Schedule I of the CSA.

In 2010, poison centers nationwide responded to about 3,200 calls related to synthetic "Spice" and "bath salts." In 2011, that number jumped to more than 13,000 calls. Sixty percent of the cases involved patients 25 and younger.