Glendale Man Sentenced to Prison in 'Spice' Case

LOS ANGELES, CA — A Glendale man was sentenced Monday to more than a year behind bars for his role in an organization that peddled synthetic marijuana — commonly referred to as "spice" — in downtown's Skid Row district.

Faisal Iqbal, 35, was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and serve three years of supervised release following his 16-month term in federal prison.

Iqbal pleaded guilty in April to one count each of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and making cash deposits designed to circumvent federal reporting requirements.

The synthetic drugs — designed to mimic the effects of pot — were sold in bodegas and convenience stores under the names "Sexy Monkey," "Mad Monkey" and "Crazy Monkey."

Federal prosecutors said the often unknown and constantly changing chemicals in such drugs can have unpredictable and devastating effects on users.

Iqbal's wife, Sana Faisal, 33, previously pleaded guilty in the case and was given a probationary sentence.

His 66-year-old father, Mohammad Iqbal, was also indicted and is a fugitive believed to be in Pakistan, prosecutors said.

— City News Service, photo via Shutterstock