This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
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.
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.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
