With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
5 arrested for distributing artificial marijuana 'spice' on Skid Row
File: A man prepares to smoke "Spice," a synthetic marijuana drug, along a street in East Harlem on Aug. 5, 2015 in New York City.
(
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
)
Five people have been arrested for distributing and selling the drug spice in the Skid Row area of Downtown Los Angeles, the LAPD announced Thursday. There were two mass overdoses on Skid Row recently in which more than 50 people were taken to the hospital, as well as other overdoses affecting the homeless population in recent months.
The use of spice has significantly increased in recent months, according to an LAPD release. Spice uses synthetic cannabinoids, an artificial drug sprayed on plants then smoked like marijuana, and it's far cheaper and more potent than natural marijuana.
"These arrests are significant due to the fact that these individuals targeted the homeless residents of Skid Row by providing an inexpensive alternative to other drugs that in many cases caused the user to develop life threatening side effects," the release stated.
The drug can also cause serious side effects, according to the release, including loss of consciousness, paranoia, tachycardia and psychotic episodes.
Support for LAist comes from
The LAPD made the arrests Wednesday around 12 p.m.. They were arrested near Fifth Street and San Pedro Street for possessing spice for sale. They also identified a South L.A. location as a possible place where spice was manufactured before being distributed on Skid Row.
Authorities served a search warrant at the location and investigators recovered money, controlled substances and other chemicals used in the making of spice. The investigation is ongoing, according to the LAPD.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress.
Best of LAist