Three store clerks charged with selling deadly synthetic marijuana were arrested by federal agents in Chicago on Monday. The arrests come after a rash of hospitalizations and two deaths caused by the illicit drug. Lab tests revealed that packages of the synthetic cannabinoids contained a deadly chemical used in rat poison.
Federal agents arrested three men who work at the King Mini Mart convenience store in Chicago’s west side. According to media reports, the men had allegedly sold packets of “spice” to undercover officers posing as customers. Law enforcement subsequently arrested Fouad Masoud, 48, Jad Allah, 44 and Adil Khan Mohammed, 44. Masoud had $280,000 in cash in his possession when police arrested him.
The store had offered for sale several different brands of the fake pot before the arrests on Monday.
“The synthetic cannabinoids were packaged in sealed containers and labeled with such names as ‘Matrix,’ ‘Blue Giant’ and ‘Crazy Monkey,’” federal agents said.
The agents also said that the “spice” they had seized was dangerously tainted.
“Preliminary testing of some of the cannabinoids purchased by the undercover officer revealed a detectable amount of brodifacoum, a toxic substance frequently used in rat poison.”
Fake Pot Caused Bleeding Eyes, Then Death
Since March 7 of this year, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has received reports of 56 cases of serious health problems in people after using spice. Patients reported uncontrolled bleeding from the eyes, ears, and mouths. Internal bleeding subsequently killed two of the victims.
The IDPH reported online that the issue may be a statewide problem.
“While many of the cases report acquiring the synthetic cannabinoid products in the Chicagoland area, contaminated products could be in counties across the state. Individuals reported obtaining synthetic