Sheriff Jimmy Harris reports the arrest of two subjects in DeKalb County after Drug Task Force agents and DEA task Force members followed information from Intel they received and did a control delivery of 2.2 pounds of the chemical used to spray spice. This chemical is extremely dangerous in its concentrated form. Once the chemical is mixed and put into liquid form it is sprayed on the material and sold as synthetic marijuana or “spice” as it is known on the street.

Corey Wayne Martin, age 22 from Hot Springs Arkansas – was arrested and charged with Trafficking in Synthetics Cannabinoids and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Also arrested was Stephen Austin Hammonds, 31 of Crossville on charges of Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Both are being held in the DeKalb County Detention Center awaiting bonds. Information gained in this arrest led to more arrests in Marshall County. The street value of this drug seized is estimated at $400,000.00. This investigation is continuing and Marshall County authorities were searching a motor home involved in the spraying of the spice. Several arrests are anticipated as this case continues to develop.

Harris states “this case is a great blow to the local spice trade. This chemical could have made over 100 pounds of spice. This drug is so dangerous people are dying from it. We have had dozens of people treated for serious kidney problems and heart related issues. I’m glad to see our partnership with DEA bring these types of results. We have been very successful with these types’ of cases with DEA, FBI, and ATF as we try to get the dealers and traffickers off the street. Our commitment continues to be one of attacking the distribution networks. Working with State and Federal agencies allows us to pursue these cases.”

(Information provided in part by WAFF TV48/www.waff.com)