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At least two Tucson-area businesses were raided by federal law enforcement agents Wednesday morning as part of a multi-state investigation targeting the sale and distribution of the synthetic drug known as "spice."

More than 100 officials from federal, state and local agencies served more than 32 warrants in simultaneous searches in Tucson, Denver, and Long Beach, Calif. At least 18 people were arrested and officials seized nearly 600 pounds of synthetic cannabinoids, said Erica Curry, a DEA spokeswoman.

The DEA did not list where the raids took place, however, the Arizona Daily Star reported that federal agents and Tucson law enforcement officers raided the Chihuahua Market on South 12th Avenue near West Irvington Road, and the Blue Moon Smoke Shop in the 4300 block of South Sixth Avenue.

Agents also seized several luxury vehicles and $350,000 in cash, and dismantled a possible lab, said Curry.

The raids targeted businesses that sold synthetic cannabinoids, a drug sold as "herbal incense" or "potpourri" under brand names like K2 and Spice, said Curry. These drugs mimic the high of marijuana, but have dangerous side-efffects and have been linked to overdose deaths.

In 2011, the DEA limited the sale of some chemicals used to make synthetic cannabinoids, however, skilled chemists have shifted to other ingredients to continue making the drug.

"The trafficking and abuse of synthetic drugs like Spice is a public health and safety concern for all Arizonans. These drugs are dangerous and potentially lethal for the people who take them," said Doug Coleman, DEA's special agent in charge in Arizona.

Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus praised the effort in a news release.

"This operation will be instrumental in restoring the quality of life for the neighborhoods impacted by the effects of the 'spice' epidemic," Magnus said. "We would like to thank the federal and local partners who participated with us during this investigation, as well as the community, who has patiently waited for this investigation to conclude."

More than a dozen agencies supported the raids, including the DEA, officials from IRS-Criminal Investigations, Border Patrol, and the Counter Narcotics Alliance.

That included the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Enforcement and Removal Operations, and U.S. Marshals.

Police agencies from Tucson, Sahuarita, and South Tucson joined the effort, along with the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

"HSI and our federal and local partners are at the forefront of combating illicit activities to include the sale of synthetic drugs," said Bradford A. Bench, interim special agent in charge of HSI Phoenix. Agencies would "continue to investigate, disrupt and dismantle" the networks that trade in the drugs, Bench said.

Border Patrol's Tucson Sector Chief Paul Beeson made a similar comment.

"Border Patrol ardently supports DEA drug enforcement activities. Reducing the availability of dangerous drugs and making our communities safer is a shared responsibility," Beeson said.

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