Authorities Target K-2 in Van Zandt County

CANTON — The Van Zandt County Sheriff�s Department, Canton Police Department, and Van Zandt County District Attorney�s Office executed two search warrants on two separate businesses in the area Monday, with an eye on alleged K-2 sales. A sheriff’s office news release says the Van Zandt County Drug Task Force has had these businesses under investigation for illegal activity. According to authorities, the sale of K-2, spices, bath salts, etc. is a growing trend among young people in the community. These items have been the cause of over 600 calls to poison control in the last year. The effects are said to be compared to marijuana. The State of Texas has banned the sale, possession, and use of these items.

The Van Zandt County Drug Task Force made two arrests and will be issuing warrants for other individuals allegedly involved in the sale of these illegal items. During the course of the search warrants, it was reportedly found that one of the locations was operating a sexually oriented business. Officials say this is in violation of the local government code; all items were seized, and warrants will be sought for the business owner. At both locations large amounts of K-2 type illegal substances were seized along with drug paraphernalia commonly used for smoking illegal drugs, according to authorities.

Officials say the Van Zandt County Drug Task Force will continue to investigate, arrest, and prosecute any person or business engaged in these kinds of activities. If you have any information on these types of activities, you’re asked to contact the Van Zandt County Sheriff�s Department or the Canton Police Department and ask for the narcotics division.