Synthetic drug 'Spice" seized at 3 Bellingham locations

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Bellingham police seized a synthetic form of marijuana known as “Spice," “K2” or "Potpourri" at local businesses at the end of a six-week long investigation.

Quick Facts:

• Spice is made by spraying chemicals on herbs
• The drug is banned in Washington
• Three search warrants served in Bellingham
• The street value of the Spice seized at the three locations totaled $13,737

Spice is a synthetic drug that when smoked, can cause rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, confusion and hallucinations, according to Bellingham police.  It is banned in Washington and police say there is a misconception that the drug is natural.

On March 14, Bellingham officers served two search warrants related to Spice sales at the Cigarette Shop, 1422 N. Forest Street, and at Intercontinental Foods, 4564 Meridian Street.  Spice was seized at both locations.

Evidence from the searches led to a suite in a business park outside of Ferndale where the Spice was believed to have been manufactured.

Police said they obtained a search warrant and seized about 3.36 pounds of Spice, hundreds of empty containers and lids, labels and other documents supporting the manufacture and sales of Spice.

The street value of the Spice seized at the three locations totaled $13,737.

Police said the drug has been marketed and sold as "aroma-therapy.” It is packaged with names such as Storm, Superstorm, Nitro, Mr. Badass and Woozy Willie.  The packaging often features cartoon characters and bright colors.   Spice sells for about half the cost of a comparable amount of marijuana, which may be one explanation for its popularity with young people, police said.

Authorities say Spice is made by spraying any number of synthetic cannabinoids, or unknown chemicals, on herbs such as spearmint, motherwort and strawberry leaves.  There is no way for a Spice user to determine exactly what or how much of a chemical has been sprayed on the Spice they are smoking.

The case remains under investigation.

KIRO