DEA Archived Press Releases

Press Releases before January 20, 2025
24 Results - Showing 11 to 20
PRESS RELEASE

Leader of Wholesale Drug Distribution Network Pleads Guilty to Distributing Synthetic Cannabinoids and Laundering Millions in Proceeds

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Los Angeles man pleaded guilty today to being the head of a conspiracy involving the distribution of wholesale quantities of synthetic cannabinoids—commonly known as “spice” or “K2”—and laundering millions of dollars in the proceeds of the sale of that spice. According to court documents, from 2017...
PRESS RELEASE

Physician Assistant Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute and Dispense Oxycodone, Fentanyl, Methadone, and Alprazolam

Baltimore, Md., – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced William Soyke, age 68, of Hanover, Pennsylvania to 37 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and dispense oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone, and alprazolam outside the scope of professional practice and not for...
PRESS RELEASE

DEA Washington Launches New Conference Series to Work with Healthcare Professionals & Help End the Overdose Crisis

The DEA Washington Division, an agency currently working to expand partnerships to offer targeted, full-scope solutions for the drug problems in Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia, today introduced a new webinar series, “Empowering DMV Healthcare Professionals.” The idea for this unique concept was crystalized during the pandemic, when overdose rates...
PRESS RELEASE

New Hampshire businessman pleads guilty to spice distribution & fatal overdose

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Seabrook, New Hampshire man pleaded guilty today to his role in a nationwide conspiracy to distribute synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as “spice” or “K2.” According to court documents, William Walsh, 56, operated two shops in Seabrook—“Up N Smoke” and “The Smoking Monkey”—from which he sold retail...
PRESS RELEASE

Alleged leaders of Gangster Disciples indicted on racketeering charges

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Steven D. Weinhoeft, announced today that seven alleged members of the violent Gangster Disciples gang, including top national and state leaders, have been charged in a federal indictment accusing them of a years-long interstate racketeering conspiracy...
PRESS RELEASE

Doctor Pays $153,000 to Resolve Allegations of Overprescribing Opioids at his Escondido Clinic

SAN DIEGO –Escondido pain clinic doctor Bradley Chesler, M.D., has paid the United States $153,000 to resolve allegations that he overprescribed opioids. Dr. Chesler is a board-certified physiatrist who operates a pain clinic in Escondido, California. This settlement stems from the United States’ investigation into whether Dr. Chesler illegally prescribed...
PRESS RELEASE

Bakersfield man pleads guilty to conspiring to structure funds

FRESNO, Calif . — Majed Bashir Akroush, aka "Mike Akroush," aka "Magic Mike," 52, of Bakersfield, California, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to structure at least half a million dollars in cash withdrawals from his bank accounts, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux and U.S. Attorney...
PRESS RELEASE

Owner of Fauquier County gas station pleads guilty to distributing spice

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Gainesville man pleaded guilty today to selling synthetic cannabinoids—commonly known as “spice” or “K2”—from the gas station he owned and operated with his business partner in Fauquier County. “Spice is a toxic mix of dangerous chemicals that can be deadly,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern...
PRESS RELEASE

St. Joseph Man sentenced for $6 million in synthetic cannabinoid conspiracy

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A St. Joseph, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute nearly $6 million of synthetic cannabinoid products, also known as K2. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration-St. Louis Division and IRS-Criminal Investigation. Shakeel Khan...
PRESS RELEASE

Opioid enforcement action brings multiple charges across the Middle District of Florida

TAMPA, Fla. - A significant opioid enforcement operation across the Middle District of Florida was executed involving charges against five individuals for their alleged involvement in various conspiracies to illicitly obtain and distribute oxycodone and other controlled substances. Those charged are the following: United States v. Hong Truong Hong Truong...