Two months after multi-city 'spice' investigation, overdose call - Tucson News Now

Two months after multi-city 'spice' investigation, overdose calls drop significantly

By Morgan Kyrklund, Reporter / Multimedia Journalist
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Synthetic cannabinoids are sold as "herbal incense" and "potpourri" under names like K2, Spice, and many other names. (Source: Drug Enforcement Administration) Synthetic cannabinoids are sold as "herbal incense" and "potpourri" under names like K2, Spice, and many other names. (Source: Drug Enforcement Administration)
TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -

The number of calls related to "spice," a synthetic marijuana blamed for many overdoses, is the lowest emergency crews have seen in months.

According to the Tucson Fire Department, crews responded to 30 to 50 calls related to spice in July. 

That number dropped to 17 in August, then again to just seven September.

Back in July, Tucson was part of a multi-city spice investigation. 

Eighteen people were arrested and 600 pounds of the synthetic marijuana was seized.

[READ: Tucson part of multi-city 'Spice' investigation; 18 arrested]

Barrett Baker, spokesman for TFD, said while the raids helped get some of the drugs off the street, he’s not certain it’s what led to the drop in spice calls.

KOLD News 13 spoke with Jamie Leon-Guerro, whose partner, Kris Chambers, was hit and killed while riding her bike by a man driving on spice.

Leon-Guerro is pleased that law enforcement and the city are working to keep spice out of Tucson.

But she says more still needs to be done, whether that be tougher laws, or just more awareness.

“It affects a huge circle. Moms, dads, brothers, friends and coworkers. You know if you make the consequences extreme and stick to it, I think that if everyone does the hard thing, I think it will make a difference," Leon-Guerro said. "I mean on the flip side of it, we don’t need stricter laws. Just don’t let your loved ones do it."

The city of Tucson and the Tucson Police Department are teaming up to keep the drug off Tucson's streets.

The Tucson City Council will discuss the issue of spice during their monthly meeting on Oct. 19. 

The council will discuss enhancing "the tools the Tucson Police Department has to work with in enforcing laws related to the sale, distribution and possession with intent to sell synthetic cannabinoids, and related products…”

They'll also talk about possible rental agreements for businesses with the option to revoke a business license for a person or business in violation of selling synthetic cannabinoids and related products.

During the multi-city spice investigation, several stores, such as smoke shops, were busted for selling spice. 

Read the full breakdown of what the council plans to talk about here: http://bit.ly/2dCHMUK

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