The District Attorney's Office announced a settlement Monday in a consumer protection case against an Oceanside smoke shop that was illegally selling Spice, a dangerous synthetic drug banned by the state.
In the settlement, the Aroma Avenue smoke shop agreed to a permanent injunction prohibiting the sale of Spice and also agreed to pay $23,500 in civil penalties, costs and other relief.
The District Attorney's Office also filed a civil complaint against the Cabana Smoke Shop in Imperial Beach for an injunction, civil penalties and other relief related to the sale of Spice.
The cases arose from a joint investigation with the Drug Enforcement Administration aimed at stopping the sale of synthetic cannabinoids in San Diego County.
Since January 2012, selling synthetic cannabinoid compounds — psychoactive bath salts and certain herbal incenses — have been illegal in California. Those who have been taken to Poison Control Centers reported symptoms that include rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, confusion and hallucinations. Spice can also raise blood pressure and cause reduced blood supply to the heart, officials said.
Still, a number of convenience stores, smoke shops and other retailers have continued to sell the drug despite the new law, according to authorities.
"This designer drug has been shown to be dangerous, and in some cases, deadly," said San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. "Our Consumer Protection Unit has been warning stores not to sell these illegal substances and using civil prosecutions, we're holding defendants accountable when they ignore the law and endanger the public."
Some of the brand names under which Spice is sold are Mr. Nice Guy, California Dreams, Scooby Snax, Green Buddah, 24K and Nuclear Bomb.
