Charges have been filed against two suspects arrested following a Houston Police Department investigation into large-scale distribution of synthetic cannabinoids (Kush) in Houston.
Minh Dang (left); Tuan Dang (right)
The suspects, Minh Dang (A/m, 42) and Tuan Dang (A/m, 46), are charged with two counts each of engaging in organized criminal activity in the 184th State District Court. Photos of the Dang brothers are attached to this news release.
More than 30 pounds of illegal narcotics were seized in the operation. In addition, investigators recovered a firearm, vehicles and thousands of dollars in U.S. currency and gold bars.
In June, investigators in the HPD Narcotics Division initiated an undercover investigation into an incident in which several homeless persons became ill after consuming synthetic cannabinoids in Hermann Park. The Kush initiative targeted not only street-level dealers but also various locations where Kush was sold.
Further investigation identified a retail chain, “Spice Boutique,” owned by the Dangs, whose three locations were found to be selling synthetic cannabinoids. Both men were arrested on Tuesday (August 9) and subsequently charged. Four additional suspects, employees of “Spice Boutique,” were arrested and face charges of engaging in organized criminal activity and falsifying drug test results. Photos of these four suspects are not available at this time, pending further investigation.
HPD Assistant Chief M. Curran said, “This is another great example of the Houston Police Department’s partnership and collaboration in our effort to protect the Houston community from dangerous substances that found their way to our streets. Synthetic cannabinoids have been a large issue in our city and this particular operation was another major step in getting this illegal substance off our streets.”
The enforcement efforts are continuing with more arrests and charges possible.