Eight Arrested In K2 Bust: New Haven PD

NEW HAVEN, CT — Eight people have been arrested following a number of K2 drug overdoses since late January.

K2 aka "Spice" or "Fake Weed" is a synthetic cannabinoid that is a schedule one controlled substance. Police have warned residents about the potential for overdoses since Jan. 25.

Not all overdoses are brought to the attention of police.

“A splendiferous job by all involved," said Lt. Karl Jacobson. “We were getting information flooding in and knew we needed to act fast. I’m very happy with the round-up. These were important arrests and we’ve collected a good amount of information that should continue to help us, should more cases arise."

The following people were arrested:

• Mareani Reyes, 32, of Waterbury was charged with sale of a controlled substance and sale of heroin.
• Raul Santiago, 51, of Whalley Avenue was charged with sale of a controlled substance
• Umar Abdul Shahid, 51, of Quinnipiac Avenue was charged with possession of K2.
• Carlos Morales, 49, of West Spring Street West Haven was charged with possession with intent to sell K2.
• Jose Javier Vega, 35, of Howe Street was charged with third-degree robbery after he snatched $20 from a person and took off running. He later admitted to grabbing the money to buy K2, Hartman said.
• Anthony Steven Williams, 56, of Front Street was charged with sale of a narcotic substance and possession of a controlled substance.
• Destiny Pervis, 28, of West Haven was charged with sale of K2.
• Kevin Sabo, 32, of Congress Avenue was charged with sale of a controlled substance.
• Marcos Medero, 39, of Meriden Road Waterbury was charged with sale of a controlled substance.

Felix Ayala Melendez, 36, of Fountain Street New Haven remains wanted by police. He has a tattoo on his right forearm that reads "Felix."

Arrestees left to right top to bottom: Medero, Sabo, Pervis, Williams, Morales, Shahid, Santiago, Reyes.

Standalone photos of Vega and Melendez