Austin Police Issue Warrants For 13 Suspects Charged With Allegedly Distributing K2

AUSTIN, TX -- Police on Thursday announced they had filed 13 arrest warrants in a roundup cracking down on the distribution of the synthetic drug K2.

The warrants were issued Wednesday by the Organized Crime Division of the Austin Police Department, police said. With the exception of one 20-year-old black female suspect, each of those arrested is described by police as a "black male." They range in ages from 20-58.

Warrants for first degree possession of controlled substance with intent to distribute were issued for:

• Marco Davis, 39 years old;
• Danion East, 24;
• Sidney Franklin, 58;
• Sidney Franklin, 58;
• Tajay Stephens, 25;
• Michael Green, 45;
• Montrel McCoy, 37;
• Jordan King, 22;
• Destiny Coleman, 20;
• Larry Jones, 45;
• Sidney Franklin, 58;
• Jermaine Edmon, 29;
• Larry Jones, 45.

Police said each case is "...not based on in-depth investigation or operations," but rather on stops initiated by patrol officers.

"APD’s Organized Crime Division has designated detectives to handle all possession of synthetic marijuana charges as warrant cases," police said in a news advisory.

The focus on K2 comes in the wake of a rash of several local cases involving the synthetic drug. Statutory changes that went into effect in September 2015 put the chemical compounds in a higher penalty group for its possession.

"Since that time, the Austin Police Department Organized Crime Division has implemented new procedures to address the negative effects associated with the distribution of K2 in Austin," police said.

Also known as Spice, Kush, or Synthetic Marijuana, K2 is marketed as incense but is sprayed with a chemical compound that mimics the effects of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. The synthetic drug is smoked to derive intoxicating effects.

"The Austin Police Department will continue to review cases and will file appropriate charges on subjects identified as K2 dealers as positive lab results return," police said.